asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the fact that advertisements have been issued for the post of temporary medical officer at Shinrone, County Offaly; that a long term temporary officer has held this appointment since 1964; that no indication has been given to her that her appointment is being terminated; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Offaly Medical Post.
6.
I am aware of the matter to which the Deputy refers.
The termination of a temporary appointment of this nature is entirely a matter for the health authority and I have no authority to issue a direction in regard to the decision taken. I understand, however, that the term of office of the doctor concerned does not end until 4th April and that it will, therefore, be a matter for the new Midland Health Board to appoint a person to fill the vacancy. Before doing so the chief executive officer will consider the application for reappointment which has been made by the present holder of the post.
Is the Minister aware that no official intimation was given to the medical officer concerned that her appointment was being terminated? Would he not agree that in ordinary courtesy and in order to conform with the official—shall we say —connection between the county manager and the medical officer concerned he should have intimated in writing to the medical officer that her appointment was being terminated? In view of the fact that he has failed to do so, would the Minister not intervene and see that the matter is regularised?
I shall refer the Deputy's observation on this matter to the county manager whose jurisdiction in relation to this appointment ceases on April 1st. I shall also refer it to the chief executive officer who will be responsible for making the decision after 1st April. If there is an irregularity in regard to this matter I shall see that it is attended to.
I think the Minister mentioned the date of April 1st which is tomorrow?
Sorry. I should say that the term of office of the person concerned does not end until 4th April so there is still time to put right anything that is wrong in the administrative sense or in relation to any communication that should have been made to this person. I still have time until 4th April.
May I further suggest to the Minister that he telephone the county manager concerned so that the matter may be regularised before an irrevocable decision has been taken?
I shall see whether what the Deputy has alleged relates to the regulations concerning this matter and I will get in touch with the county manager if what the Deputy says is true, that there has been a lack of proper communication in the administrative and legal sense.
In view of what the Deputy alleges, I suggest there is some reflection on the existing holder of the office. If they advertise for another temporary person, there is a suggestion that the present holder is incompetent. It casts a reflection on this person and I suggest the Minister make an immediate inquiry to the county manager so that the matter can be resolved very quickly. It would be a different situation if they were appointing a permanent officer but to appoint another temporary person to replace the present one suggests that the present one is not satisfactory and has not been told about it and it is a very serious matter.
The Deputy is being very indiscreet in this matter. He knows I have absolutely no authority in regard to this under the law. He is raising questions that cannot be discussed in this House at present.
Has the change in the health board anything to do with it?
No.