asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that an attendant at Dundrum Criminal Lunatic Asylum contracted tuberculosis some months after his room-mate in the asylum contracted the disease, that even after the latter's condition had been diagnosed and brought to the attention of the asylum authorities both were allowed to occupy the same bedroom, and that after his removal to hospital the bedroom was not disinfected; and, if so, whether he is prepared to compensate the former for his condition.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Asylum Attendant's Illness.
The first attendant referred to by the Deputy, whom I shall call Attendant A did not become ill with tuberculosis until about 12 months after his room-mate, Attendant B, had been removed to hospital suffering from the same disease. Attendant B had been confined to bed in the asylum for only a short period when tuberculosis was suspected, and immediate steps were taken to have the officer removed to hospital. The bed-clothes and bed of Attendant B were disinfected and the mattress destroyed immediately after he had been taken to hospital. I might point out that the room which was occupied by the attendants is large and well ventilated.
I am satisfied that the precautionary measures taken by the asylum authorities subsequent to the removal of Attendant B to hospital were adequate. As regards the final part of the Deputy's question, however, it should be noted that Attendant A has been granted the benefit of the specially favourable sick leave terms applicable to civil servants suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis. Moreover, it would appear that he is now eligible to make application to the appropriate health authority for payment of an allowance under the Infectious Diseases (Maintenance) Regulations, 1948.
Might I ask the Minister how long the first attendant was ill before it was established that he was suffering from tuberculosis?
In the beginning of January he became ill and he was removed to hospital towards the middle of January.
It was diagnosed in January.
It was.
Is it a fact that the room was not disinfected? Is it possible that the disinfecting of the room was omitted or forgotten.
I am not aware that the room was disinfected, but I am satisfied that the precautions taken were adequate to prevent the likelihood of the spread of the disease to anybody a year later.
Would the Minister not consider it necessary to have the room disinfected also?
I am satisfied that the precautions taken were adequate to prevent the likelihood of the spread of the disease a year later.
Even though the disinfection of the room did not take place.