asked the Minister for Health the number of children's officers employed by each local or health authority, and the remuneration they receive; whether it is proposed to increase their wages; if so, when; and whether he will have additional children's officers appointed to enable a better service to be given for the benefit of the children concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Children's Officers.
7.
Mr. Ryan
Twelve whole-time children's officers are employed by ten health authorities throughout the country. In other areas the duties of children's officer are undertaken by public health nurses or assistance officers.
The current standard salary scale as settled by the employing authorities, for the post of children's officer is £560 to £715 and I have not received any proposals for an increase in this remuneration.
My policy has been to urge health authorities to appoint whole-time children's officers, as distinct from officers acting as such on a part-time basis but, as the Deputy will appreciate, the initiative in making such appointments rests with health authorities.