asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the dissatisfaction among district midwives at the basic salaries paid to them, which range from £100 to £160 per annum, that great hardship is suffered by them due to their having in many cases tohire cars to transport themselves to dispensary cases in rural districts, and that facilities for augmenting this small income by private practice are not possible in many districts; and, if so, if he will consider either giving them a compensatory travelling allowance or sanctioning an increase in their basic salaries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Midwives' Salaries.
While I am satisfied that cases arise occasionally in which a midwife is under expense in connection with travelling to public assistance patients, I feel that, in general, having regard to the number of cases dealt with, the present remuneration of midwives is not unreasonable. The average number of cases is low and in a number of dispensary districts the services of the midwives are not called upon even once in the year. As the Deputy can appreciate, the problem is a difficult one and I am still seeking a solution which, while being fair to the midwife, will not be unfair to the rate-payers.
The Minister is no doubt aware that when attending a case a midwife has to pay at least eight visits, sometimes ten visits, and that in country districts it is quite usual for a midwife to have to travel up to ten miles. Does he not consider there is a reasonable case for giving them some travelling expenses?
I would ask the Minister to reconsider the case of midwives in these areas. Most nurses now have general training and also take up training as midwives. If they are not offered more attractive salaries they will leave the country and will be a loss to us. In view of that the Minister might reconsider their case, if not for the sake of the old nurses at least for the new nurses.
I think the Deputy must realise there is a difficult problem considering the fact that in some areas they are getting a salary for doing nothing. It may be quite true that in other areas there are high travelling expenses. As I said, it is a difficult problem and requires further consideration.
The Minister will appreciate, no doubt, that they may not in some cases have a lot of work to do, but they have no other means of livelihood. Does the Minister consider that a nurse who has to go to Dublin and train is getting just remuneration for her services by being paid anything from £100 to £160 per year? I do not consider so, personally.
In relation to the increases that were given to other officers who were paid before the war between £40 and £60, it is now £150.
Shame!