asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that the issue of uniform suits, overcoats and shoes to the nursing staff, Grangegorman Mental Hospital, which should have been made in November, 1943, has not been made to date, and that the contractors for the supply of such articles allege that they have the articles ready for delivery but are unable to make such delivery through the non-receipt of the necessary licences from his Department, and if he will state what action he is taking in this matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Grangegorman Nursing Staffs.
Mr. Larkin
An application for a coupon equivalent licence to purchase uniform suits, overcoats and shoes was received in the Department on the 25th January, 1944. Licences in respect of the overcoats and shoes were issued on 2nd February and in respect of the suits on 15th February.
Mr. Larkin
Arising out of this matter, I have had a letter from the Parliamentary Secretary in which he proposes certain conditions, but I would like to ask how is it that the Department can violate an understanding come to with the authority of the administrative body between the Joint Board of Grangegorman Hospital and the union representing the nurses and attendants? Under that agreement, under their contract of service they are entitled to these articles of clothing. The wearing of these articles is compulsory under the regulations governing nurses and attendants, and yet when we find that the material is not available and we come to an accommodation with the men and women that they will be allowed certain monetary compensation in lieu thereof, you make this ruling and you anticipate the judgment of the administrative body——
I think that matter is raised in the next question.
It could not arise on this.
Mr. Larkin
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state if he has received a communication from the Manager, Grangegorman Mental Hospital, setting out proposals for the cash reimbursement to female nurses in that institution for the non-issue of certain articles of their uniform, due to supply difficulties, and to which they are duly entitled by their conditions of employment; if so, if he will state the date on which he received the communication, and if he has now given his sanction to such proposals.
Since the Deputy was written to in regard to this matter on the 21st ultimo, another communication has been received from the manager. In view of the representations therein the proposals are receiving further consideration. A decision thereon will be given as soon as possible and I shall again communicate with the Deputy.
Mr. Larkin
I apologise for anticipating this reply in my supplementary question to No. 19. May I point out that in connection with this matter, you have given judgment on a matter that has not been submitted to you?
Perhaps the Deputy would address the Chair, not the Minister or the Parliamentary Secretary?
Mr. Larkin
In this matter you wrote me a letter in which it is stated that you were prepared to adjust the matter. That letter said you were going to inquire——
I was not prepared. I heard nothing about the inquiry at all. The Deputy was addressing the Chair and he accused me of not doing something.
Mr. Larkin
I would not accuse you, Sir, of anything.
The Deputy has done so.
Mr. Larkin
With your permission may I point out that the Parliamentary Secretary said he had written to me, but in addition to writing to me on the matter he also added something prejudging the whole situation as to the rights of these persons——
Has the Deputy a question to ask?
Mr. Larkin
I do question that, and I ask by what authority he has the right to break a contract of service in which contract it is definitely laid down that these men and women must have clothing and uniform. Is it your duty——
It is not my duty.
Mr. Larkin
The Parliamentary Secretary's duty.
I have already pointed out to Deputy Larkin—I do not think he followed the answer completely— that fresh representations have been made since that letter was issued by the manager. They only reached my Department yesterday. We have not had an opportunity yet of considering them, but the matter will be reconsidered, and I shall again communicate with the Deputy.
Mr. Larkin
Thank you.