asked the Minister for Health for what reason he has refused to sanction the appointment to the position of temporary nurse in connection with the scheme of vaccination against poliomyelitis in County Galway of a person who was recommended for the position by the county manager on the recommendation of an appropriately constituted selection board; and why, on the other hand, he has intimated that he would be prepared to sanction the same person for employment in a temporary position on nursing duties in the Galway Regional Hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Temporary Nurse.
My approval is required only to the creation of the temporary office of public health nurse. The appointment is a matter for the local health authority and does not require my approval. From particulars furnished to my Department, it appeared that in making the proposed appointment, the health authority were not complying with standing instructions regarding preference to be given for a knowledge of Irish in such cases and their attention was drawn to the matter.
I have not conveyed any such intimation as that mentioned in the second part of the Deputy's question. In this connection, I would point out that temporary appointments to the authorised nursing staff of the Galway Regional Hospital do not require my approval.
In view of the Minister's reply I would like to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.