asked the Minister for Defence if he has received any further information as to whether the part-time medical officer at Fort Dunree, County Donegal, referred to in questions on the 10th May, 1949, and on the 1st June, 1949, is, in fact, admiralty surgeon and agent to some of the British forces occupying our six northeastern counties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Donegal Medical Officer and British Forces.
I have seen the extract from the Medical Directory I sent to me by the Deputy.
I have been informed that the doctor in question was appointed surgeon and agent to the British Admiralty in 1914, the dispensary doctor whom he succeeded in that year having previously held the appointment. The doctor has carried out no functions in connection with the appointment since 1921.
In order to avoid any misunderstanding in regard to the terms agent it should perhaps be explained that this term referred to the functions which might fall on the doctor of making arrangements for the supply of medicines, accommodation, hospitalisation, etc. for British naval personnel who could not be treated aboard ship and who might have had to come ashore for medical treatment. It should not be confused with any other meaning which may be attached to the word.
Is the Minister aware that the present temporary medical officer at Fort Dunree is in receipt of emoluments from the British Admiralty?
I am not aware of that. I am aware of the fact that he is in receipt of no salary and in receipt of no payments from the British Admiralty since 1921.
Does the Minister think it wise that a person occupying the position in question at Fort Dunree should describe himself in the medical directory as British Admiralty surgeon and agent?
If we are going into the question of when and how doctors are described in the directory a whole lot of questions will be asked.