asked the Minister for Health whether he had yet found it possible to receive a deputation from the Irish Medical Association to discuss difficulties in the administration and provision of health services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Services: Deputation from I.M.A.
21.
I am sorry to have to say that because of the policy which the Irish Medical Association continues to pursue it has not been possible to engage in any discussions with it. In view of the terms of the question it is necessary for me to make it clear that no difficulties whatsoever have been experienced in the administration and provision of health services on that account. All medical posts proscribed by the Association since I took office in March, 1957, have been filled by the appointment of eminently qualified personnel; from which it would appear that many members of the medical profession are not in accord with the attitude which the Association continues to pursue. With this in mind I have endeavoured to ensure that fair and full consideration is given to the just claims of those who staff the health services, and I do not feel that they have been prejudiced by the impasse which exists. At the same time it is regrettable that the impasse should continue and I venture to hope that even now the Association may see its way to reconsider the proscription which it has imposed.
Is the Minister aware that the Irish Medical Association's ban extends not only to posts in local authority hospitals but also to posts in voluntary hospitals and particularly in Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe, County Galway? Will the Minister ask the Association to withdraw their ban on this hospital——
He will not ask them anything. He will not talk to them.
——in the interests of the persons depending on this hospital for hospital services?
That raises a particular matter on a general issue.
Mr. Ryan
Would the Minister not think it appropriate at the beginning of the new year to swallow his pride and meet the Irish Medical Association for the good of the people of Ireland?
I have no pride to swallow. I did not start this fight and it is open to those who started it to end it as gracefully and with as much dignity as they can. I will be very happy to meet them when they withdraw the ban which they have imposed not merely upon the public authority hospitals but also upon a certain voluntary general hospital.
Mr. Ryan
Would the Minister not turn the other cheek? It is a very big one.
The Minister is about to retire and ought to settle this matter.
Or be retired.
No. 22.
He is going to retire.
There will be many retiring with him, so.
He was a senile delinquent ten years ago.
Will Deputies please allow the Minister to give the reply to Question No. 22?