asked the Minister for Health if he will state whether his attention has been directed to the recent findings of a coroner's jury and requests for a sworn inquiry into the administration of the Meath Hospital by the medical authorities of that institution, whether he proposes to hold such an inquiry or if he will state the reason for refusing to do so and what steps, if any, have been or will be taken to give first preference to patients paid for out of public funds.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Administration of Meath Hospital.
My attention has been directed to the recent findings of a coroner's jury and I am aware that requests for a sworn inquiry into the administration of the Meath Hospital were made to my predecessor. The chairman of the former committee of management of the hospital was informed on the 30th May that the Minister for Health has no functions in regard to matters of internal administration of the hospital and he is not in a position to order the holding of a sworn inquiry.
The treatment of patients sent to the hospital by local authorities is generally governed by agreements between the hospital authorities and the local authorities concerned. I have no functions in relation to the treatment of patients in the Meath Hospital and I am not empowered to take any steps to ensure that preference will be given to local authority patients.
Will the Minister state whether he has any authority whatsoever over the allocation of bed accommodation and if he is in a position to give the reasonable undertaking asked for in the latter portion of the question?
No, I have no authority over the allocation of beds in voluntary hospitals. Local authorities sometimes make agreements with these hospitals but that has nothing to do with the Minister and I am advised that I have no power to hold any inquiry.
In view of the fact that this hospital is described as the Dublin City and County Infirmary and that patients are sent there at public expense, surely to goodness it is reasonable and right to expect that patients sent there at public expense should get preference to those who are prepared to pay private fees to medical officers in charge of the institution?
That is the position.
In view of the unsatisfactory answer given to this question, I give notice that I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment at a later date.
It is the most satisfactory answer I could give.
We will see what powers you have.