Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 May 1991

Vol. 408 No. 1

Written Answers. - Environmental Health Inspectors.

Gerry O'Sullivan

Question:

97 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the shortage of environmental health inspectors in the Southern Health Board area, particularly in Cork city, which is having a serious effect on assessing applicants for housing; if he intends to rectify the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

Housing assessment is carried out by the Southern Health Board environment health officers on behalf of Cork Corporation, Cork County Council, and Kerry County Council.

At present the number of staff providing this service is as follows: Cork Corporation — two environmental health officers; Cork County Council — three environmental health officers; and Kerry — two environmental health officers.

These environmental health officers carry out a variety of functions including housing assessment, housing surveys, and by-laws. However, priority is given to the assessment of housing applications. The Southern Health Board have advised me that there is no unreasonable delay in dealing with such applications.