asked the Minister for Health if he will state what action he has taken or is about to take concerning a resolution which was passed at a meeting of the North Tipperary County Council requesting the reappointment of the former sub-sanitary officers who were acting in the towns of Thurles, Roscrea, Templemore and Nenagh.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Tipperary Sub-Sanitary Officers.
The efficient performance of sanitary duties in the light of modern standards of public health depends on specially trained officers, and for this reason it has been necessary to pursue a policy of discouraging as far as possible the employment of unqualified personnel. Health inspectors are specially trained in this work but as a rule sanitary sub-officers have no such training.
The sanitary duties in Nenagh Urban District were assigned to a health inspector when the Health Act, 1947, came into force. This officer's area also includes Roscrea and he is, therefore, responsible for the performance of sanitary duties in those towns.
The sanitary duties in Thurles and Templemore had also been assigned to a health inspector but he ceased duty on 5th July, 1951. Application has been made by the local authority to the Local Appointments Commissioners for the recommendation of a suitably qualified candidate for the performance of the duties in these areas. It is understood that this recommendation will be made shortly.
In the circumstances, I do not propose to take any action on the resolution referred to by the Deputy.
I wonder would you be able, a Chinn Chomhairle, to elucidate something so far as I am concerned with regard to a question to the Minister. I sent in four questions last Thursday——
This does not arise on the question.
I know very well it does not but I am asking would you be able——
The Deputy will allow questions to proceed in the regular manner.
May I raise this matter again before Question Time is over?
I shall not give any guarantees in advance.