asked the Minister for Health the number of health boards which do not have an engineer; and in cases where there is no engineer, if he will indicate who is responsible for maintenance.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Board Engineers.
35.
Three of the health boards do not at present have graduate engineers in their employment, but steps are being taken with a view to remedying this situation. In the meanwhile the health boards concerned have made arrangements for obtaining advice in relation to the maintenance of buildings, including the securing of the services of local authority engineers on an agency basis and retaining the services of private architects and engineers as required.
Is the Minister satisfied that these arrangements are adequate?
I am not.
The Minister is not?
Steps are being taken to recruit architects and engineers for the eight health boards. There was some disagreement as to what salary should be paid. I think that has been resolved now and the Local Appointments Commissioners are proceeding to go through the necessary procedure of advertising and appointing.
Deputy Cluskey does not hold Fianna Fáil responsible for that, does he?
I do not even hold them responsible for you.
Can the Minister state if the Western Health Board lack the services of engineers?
The Western Health Board, so far as I am aware, do not employ a qualified engineeer but they have consultancy arrangements with a professional firm.