asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate the estimated cost at Dublin retail prices ruling at mid-May, 1958, per head, per day and per week in respect of the dietary scales given in replies of 28th May, 1958, as regards (a) the Dublin Board of Assistance and (b) Grangegorman Mental Hospital Board.
Written Answers. - Cost of Dietary Scales in Dublin Institutions.
The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:—
(a) The estimated cost of the weekly dietary scales in the Dublin Board of Assistance institutions, excluding the cost of certain vegetables and of meat, is as follows:—
|
s. |
d. |
|
|
Children |
13 |
9¼ |
|
Adults |
14 |
2¾ |
As explained in my previous replies to the Deputy, figures in respect of vegetables other than potatoes, peas and onions, are not readily available. In regard to meat, the cost would depend on the cuts used which vary from day to day. Further, much of the meat is bought in carcase form and, consequently, a retail price cannot readily be ascertained. It is estimated, however, that in the case of adults, if all the meat of the dearer types and cuts were issued in any week, the approximate cost at retail prices would be 4/6 and if all the meat of the cheaper types and cuts were issued the figure would be about 3/-. The weekly cost would lie between these figures. The cost in the case of children would be approximately within the same range.
(b) The estimated cost of weekly dietary scales of male and female nurses in Grangegorman Mental Hospital is as follows:—
|
£ |
s. |
d. |
|
|
Male Nurses |
2 |
9 |
3¾ |
|
Female Nurses |
2 |
6 |
6¼ |
Figures in respect of vegetables other than potatoes are not readily available and those in respect of meat vary according to the type and cut supplied. The costs shown for these items must, accordingly, be regarded as approximate.
The average daily cost in each of the cases mentioned is one-seventh of the relevant weekly figure.