asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there are some married women dispensary doctors who were in dispensary service prior to the making of a regulation prohibiting them from being transferred to, or applying for any other dispensary district; and, if so, if he is prepared to amend this regulation so as to give these doctors similar rights to those enjoyed by married women national teachers appointed prior to a similar regulation being made relating to teachers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Married Women Dispensary Doctors.
I am aware that there are some married women dispensary doctors who were appointed before sub-section (1) of Section 21 of the Local Government Act, 1941, came into operation. This sub-section enables the appropriate Minister to prescribe that female local officers of a class, description or grade shall be unmarried or widows.
I consider it equitable that female dispensary doctors who were appointed prior to the operation of the section should be allowed to compete for vacancies as they arise in the same grade. I am advised, however, that under the section as it stands, I could not permit such female officers to compete without throwing the competition open to all married women who were otherwise qualified.
I have made representations to the Minister for Local Government who is the appropriate Minister in this case and he has undertaken to introduce legislation as soon as possible to remedy the position.