asked the Minister for Local Government in what way Dr. Fleury, formerly Medical Officer of Birr Workhouse, and Dr. Kinsella, formerly Medical Officer of Edenderry Workhouse, are to be paid their pensions, whether yearly or otherwise; and further, why 50 per cent. of years' service was not added to Dr. Kinsella's twenty-three years' service when the amount of his pension was being considered?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. [ ORAL ANSWERS. ] - DOCTORS' PENSIONS.
PADRAIG MAC ARTAIN
These pensions are now payable by Offaly County Council. Payments of this nature are usually made monthly, and, if found necessary, the times of payment can be specially prescribed. In fixing Dr. Kinsella's pension the local body concerned did not add any years to his actual service, and were not under legal obligation to do so. If, however, Dr. Kinsella is aggrieved at the manner in which his pension has been calculated, it is open to him to appeal to the Ministry.
Is the Minister aware that these men have got no pensions? I understand they have got no pensions since the time it was declared they were entitled to them—that is to say, no payment has as yet been made to them.
I am not aware of that; but it is within the domain of the local bodies themselves to make a payment.