asked the Minister for Health the number of dispensary doctors who have acted in a temporary capacity for fifteen years and more; and if he will take steps to introduce legislation to permit such doctors who have given satisfactory service to be permanently appointed without requiring them to present themselves for competitive examination.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Temporary Dispensary Doctors.
8.
Mr. Ryan
It appears from the records in my Department that only one dispensary doctor has acted in a temporary capacity for fifteen years.
The present system of appointment through the Local Appointments Commissioners has proved itself over a long period and while, naturally, I sympathise with the doctor who finds himself displaced after such long service, I would not feel justified in suggesting legislation which would have the effect of altering that system.
Mr. Ryan
I know how hard the Minister finds it to agree with me on anything, but would he not agree that where a dispensary doctor has served in the one area for upwards of 21 years it is unfair to the poor people and an undue hardship on the doctor involved, because of the mutual feelings of trust, respect and understanding which have developed, to end that happy situation by one unnecessary bureaucratic sweep? On that account, would the Minister not feel, seeing there is only one case of this nature, that he would be justified in introducing a special Act to cover the circumstances of this particular case?
The Deputy as a budding lawyer must have learned that hard cases make bad law.
Mr. Ryan
This is a good case.
If I were to agree with the Deputy I should be criticising legislation passed by this House and criticising the manner in which the Local Appointments Commissioners, who have been appointed to carry out the legislation, discharged their duty in this instance, I am not prepared to do so.
Mr. Ryan
The Minister would be the darling of Drimnagh if he did it.