asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that a number of temporary public health officers, all holding diplomas recognised by his Department, have been forced to emigrate; and if, in view of the fact that the men in question spent two years studying for their diplomas on the undertaking that permanent positions would be available when they had completed their courses, he will make arrangements to have them reemployed in this country as soon as possible.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Temporary Public Health Officers.
Appointments to permanent posts as Health Inspectors are made only on the recommendation of the Local Appointments Commissioners, who, when requested by the health authorities, advertise vacancies and hold competitions therefor from time to time.
The two-year special course of training for candidates for appointment as Health Inspector held by the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee concluded in June, 1955; since August of that year some five competitions for appointments as Health Inspector were conducted by the Local Appointments Commission following which 11 appointments in all were made. Of the successful candidates from the special two-year course, seven have obtained permanent appointments in the service of local authorities.
I am not aware that any specific undertaking was given that permanent appointments would be available for the trainees when they had completed their course. The making of permanent appointments to the grade of Health Inspector is a matter for local authorities in the first instance, but I would like to point out to the Deputy that on the 3rd June, 1955, my Department circularised local health authorities pointing out the high quality of the training received by the students attending the two-year course and requesting that the authorities should review the adequacy of their Health Inspector staff, in view of the desirability of giving the successful students an opportunity of competing for permanent posts in the local authority service.
Arising out of the latter portion of the Minister's reply, is he aware that when these officers filled in their application forms to undergo the full two-year course run by the Dublin Vocational Committee they were informed by circular letter that 15 permanent vacancies existed at that time in 1953 and that a further five vacancies per annum were expected to be available each year afterwards? Many of these men left good jobs in order to undergo this course and would the Minister not agree that they were given more or less a guarantee of employment on the conclusion of the course? Would he not now undertake to ensure that permanent employment is given to all these officers at the earliest possible opportunity?
I am aware that the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee informed intending applicants for the course that 15 vacancies then existed. That was in June, 1953. The Deputy is correct in saying that they were informed that probably five vacancies would arise in the following years. I would, however, direct the Deputy's attention to the fact that it is the responsibility of health authorities, in the first instance, and the position is kept under review by me and by my Department.
I would ask the Minister, in view of the fact that a number of these men who had already been in good employment underwent the course and have emigrated since, if he would take whatever steps he considers necessary to ensure that in so far as lies within his power employment of a permanent nature will be given to these men who underwent the course?
The matter will be kept under review.