asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that members of the Dublin Fire Brigade injured while on duty combating fires are required to pay for hospitalisation and medical attention; and if he will have steps taken to have the cost of such hospitalisation borne by the Dublin Corporation or by insurance companies, or by the owners of property affected by such fires rather than by the injured men and their families.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Injured Dublin Firemen.
78.
Mr. Ryan
The question whether it is necessary, in the case of injuries sustained by firemen of the Dublin Corporation, to supplement their existing entitlement to medical attention and hospitalisation under the Health Acts and their special entitlement to sick leave with pay is a matter between the firemen and their employing local authority.
Mr. Ryan
Is the Minister aware that members of the Fire Brigade from time to time have asked that their hospital expenses should be paid for them and that this has been refused, and, having regard to the fact that a number of firemen recently injured in Dublin fires have had to pay out of their own pockets heavy medical and hospital expenses, will the Minister look into the matter?
My information is that no representations have been made at any time by the men's unions in this matter. I would further point out that even though there may not exist any special facilities to help these people in the circumstances described by the Deputy, it does not follow that they may not have recourse to their local health authority to have their cases dealt with in a particular way.
Mr. Ryan
Yes, but, appreciating that, the Minister will understand that even though the local health authority comes to their aid, these men are still asked to pay 10/- per day while in hospital due to injuries sustained while performing their duty in the public service.
As I have said, this is a matter between themselves and the authority, and I would point out again that no representations have been made by the men's unions on their behalf to the local authorities in this matter.
Mr. Ryan
Will the Minister sanction it if the local authority asks for permission?
That is something for tomorrow.