asked the Minister for Health if he will state (a) the reasons for (i) ordering a sworn inquiry into the operation of the ophthalmic services in County Clare, and (ii) limiting the scope of the inquiry to the acceptance of tenders for spectacles for use by public assistance patients and children under the school medical scheme; (b) how much the inquiry will cost, and (c) by whom it will be paid.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clare Sworn Inquiry.
The main reason for ordering a sworn inquiry into the operation of the opthalmic services in County Clare was to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the very unsatisfactory manner in which these services have been operated during the past two years.
The scope of the inquiry was not limited to the acceptance of tenders for spectacles for use by public assistance patients and children under the school medical scheme.
It is not possible at present to say how much the inquiry will cost. The cost incurred by the officers holding the inquiry will in due course be certified by me and will be payable by the Clare County Council. Such costs as may have been incurred by any other person in relation to the inquiry are payable by such person unless I certify under Section 91 of the Local Government Act, 1946, that a contribution shall be made towards such costs, in which case the contribution shall be made by the Clare County Council.