asked the Minister for Health the number of non-national medical officers employed in local authority hospitals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Non-National Medical Personnel.
31.
Particulars furnished to my Department by health authorities indicate that, on 1st June, 1966, there were 64 non-national medical officers employed in local authority hospitals. These medical officers are all temporary and are all in the registrar and house officer grades. In addition, 12 non-nationals are employed as interns.
Accepting that these are temporary appointments, could the Minister state the reason why our own nationals are not employed in these hospitals?
Mr. O'Malley
As I said in reply to a Parliamentary Question last week, one of the reasons is that the rate of remuneration is unrealistic. It can be anticipated that the improved pay and salary conditions recently announced and other improvements which are likely to be achieved in the near future will serve to attract Irish doctors into the service of local authorities from now on.
When will these new rates become effective?
Mr. O'Malley
It is a matter for the local authorities now. The intimation of my sanction has been sent to each local authority. In order to clear up any misconceptions arising from the phraseology of the question and to avoid the possibility of misinterpretation of my answer, I would like to say that many of the non-nationals working in our hospitals are from the emergent African nations and they are getting very valuable experience in this country. These appointments are of a temporary nature and none of them is a permanent post.
They are doing a good job of work, whatever their colour.
Is the Minister not aware that there is a fear throughout the country that because these people are trainees—that is not the proper word but the Minister will know what I mean—the public are not getting the service they would get if we had fully qualified native practitioners in our hospitals?
Mr. O'Malley
I could not subscribe to that view, nor do I think anyone else would. I have tried to put the position in as clear a manner as possible.
Is the Minister not aware that there is this feeling in the community?
Mr. O'Malley
No.