asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the great dissatisfaction caused by the catering arrangements for the nursing and general staff at Merlin Park Sanatorium, Galway; and if he has taken any steps to improve them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Catering Arrangements in Merlin Park Sanatorium.
I am not aware that there is great dissatisfaction amongst the nursing and general staffs at Merlin Park Sanatorium, Galway, regarding the catering arrangements, but I am aware that these staffs have taken objection to the recent introduction of a cafeteria system for the serving of meals to them. I understand that the manager is investigating the matter with a view to ascertaining the precise grounds of objection.
I may say that the three regional sanatoria were designed on the basis that the cafeteria system of serving meals would operate in the staff dining rooms. Similar systems operate in many modern hospitals to the complete satisfaction of the staffs concerned.
The Minister stated that he is not aware of dissatisfaction. Is he aware that there was a strike there during the week? Further, I should like to know is it the Minister's order that this cafeteria system should be introduced there?
I would remind the Deputy that he asked me a question "if he is aware of the great dissatisfaction"——
Yes.
——and I said that I am not aware that there is great dissatisfaction.
You are now.
No, I am not yet.
There has been a strike there.
There could be, but strikes are not always justifiable. What I am concerned about is to ensure that the greatest possible economies will be secured in the administration of this hospital service for the benefit of the ratepayer and the taxpayer.
Not at the expense of the nursing staff.
Not at the expense of the nursing staff.
There are many people employed in this city who resort to cafeteria for meals.
Is the Minister aware that many of these nurses have to travel considerable distances in this so-called modern hospital and that the time available to them to have lunch, allowing for travelling to and from lunch, is five to ten minutes? Would the Minister not take that into consideration?
That is an entirely different question.
There are two sides to every story.
There are and there is a side to this which the Deputy is not concerned to allow to be presented. I am aware that it does take a little time for the nurses to travel to these places but if we increase the luncheon period or the period for meals we do so at the expense of the nurses because they will have to remain longer on duty.