asked the Minister for Health the number of occasions over the past ten years on which his Department have been notified regarding physical injury caused by rats to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, county homes, mental hospitals or similar institutions within the State; the total amount of any awards made to those injured in such incidents; and the steps taken to ensure that in future there will be no recurrence of such incidents.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Patients Injured by Rats in Public Institutions.
4.
The number of occasions was three. An award was made in one case, the amount being £501 and legal costs.
In cases where there is evidence of the presence of rats steps are taken by laying poison and other means to deal with the problem and I am satisfied that Health Authorities are fully alive to their responsibilities in this matter.
May I ask the Minister if he is satisfied that where a female child has been seriously injured by a rat an award of £501 is adequate compensation?
That is a question for the courts, of course.
I do not mind whether it is for the courts or not. I do not think the Minister, if he saw his daughter injured, would agree that she should be paid only £501.
The Deputy will please resume his seat.
It would not pay her fare to the Congo, where she is at the moment——
Question No. 5.
——not to mind being compensated as an infant girl. I think it is a shame. The least the Minister should do is to intervene and make sure that this child is paid an adequate amount of compensation.
The Deputy will resume his seat.
I am sorry, Sir. It is necessary that somebody should say it.
The Deputy did not say that at the meeting of the county council at which the facts were put before him.
I am sure the child would be much better off if this thing were not dragged around here.
I am not one of the political thugs you have on county councils.