asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the decision of the Local Appointments Commission concerning the appointment of a doctor at Ballina District Hospital, County Mayo, he will state the action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Medical Appointment.
3.
The Local Appointments Commission were unable to recommend a candidate for appointment following a recent advertisement for the vacant office of medical officer, Ballina District Hospital.
The Western Health Board have submitted proposals for certain improvements in the conditions of service. I am at present considering these proposals and hope to communicate with the board in the very near future.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary not now agree that the salary originally submitted to the Department of Health by the Western Health Board was more realistic than the one he sanctioned? Would he not also consider, especially in the light of the increases given to the junior doctors, that a much bigger salary is needed for this post? In view of the fact that the Local Appointments Commission quite obviously felt—because the standards looked for were minimal—that the qualification for a hospital of this size should be almost consultancy status, would he not now consider sanctioning consultancy status backed up with the help of a junior doctor? Would he consider——
I would prefer if the Deputy would not submit his questions in omnibus form.
——doing that in view of the proposed industrial expansion in this area?
What I said originally, and my reply still stands, is that the Western Health Board have submitted new proposals and I am at present considering these proposals and hope to help the people in the Ballina district in the very near future.
Will the Minister now fulfil his promise to the deputation he met in Ballina concerning this matter?
I cannot answer for the Minister who is absent for reasons everybody knows.
The Parliamentary Secretary is supposed to.
With regard to what the Deputy said about consultants, every Deputy must know that the appointment of consultants is a matter for Comhairle na nOspidéal.
In this case it is a matter for the Minister, as the Minister is the ultimate authority.