asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the shortage of clerical staff in St. Munchin's Regional Maternity Hospital, Limerick.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Limerick Hospital Staff.
44.
The adequacy of the clerical staffing at St. Munchin's Hospital is primarily a matter for the Mid-Western Health Board. I have had inquiries made in the matter and I have been informed that the board are preparing a proposal for additional staff for submission to my Department.
The examination of the board's proposal will, in the normal way, involve an assessment of the clerical staffing of the hospital. It will also take account of the board's views as to the degree of priority to be given to the proposal in relation to other new developments to be financed out of the board's current year's budgetary allocation.
Is the Minister aware that there has recently been a reduction in the clerical staff to the extent that the medical staff cannot send reports to doctors who send patients there?
I am not aware nor have I information to the effect that the clerical staff has been reduced but I recognise that there is a problem there and I am awaiting proposals from the health board.
I happen to know of the situation.