Vol. 503 No. 4
134 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health and Children if the provisions of S200/49 under which pension rights were conferred on temporary ophthalmologists employed by health boards will be extended to afford similar entitlement to persons who were employed as temporary county surgeons and temporary district medical officers and, in particular, the service of a person (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10522/99]
Arrangements made in relation to former tem porary ophthalmologists arose from a working party report in relation to this group in 1981. The change was made in the context of a review of the nature and delivery of ophthalmic services in the community which recognised the need to place the service on a more structured footing. The recognition of temporary service as permanent service was applied, under very specific conditions, to certain postholders on the basis of the acceptance that such posts would now be phased out to be replaced by community ophthalmic physician posts. These posts would be recruited by the Local Appointments Commission. The offer was also made on the basis that those electing to accept the office would be liable for appropriate contributions for past service.
I must emphasise that the review carried out was specific to this group based on the profile of the working arrangements and the plans for the future delivery of that particular service. Accordingly, I do not propose any changes in the pensionable status of former temporary district medical officers and county surgeons.
I would, however, point out that the recent agreement with the Irish Medical Organisation, dealing principally with the matter of extending medical card income eligibility for the over 70s, contains a provision providing for an ex gratia payment of £1,000 to retired former temporary district medical officers. This payment will be applicable to the individual to whom the Deputy refers who also benefited from a non-pensionable gratuity paid under the relevant regulations by the South Eastern Health Board in 1984.
