asked the Minister for Local Government if Dr. Martin was appointed Resident Medical Superintendent of Tirconaill Mental Hospital at a meeting of the Committee held on 16th inst. at Letterkenny, and if, in view of the report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals, after the enquiry held on the 9th October last, into the management and administration of this institution, he will consider giving sanction for a probationary period of twelve months for this appointment, and whether he will keep under strict surveillance the administration and expenditure of this Hospital for that period; further, if he will consider the advisability of making a substantial reduction in the salary and allowances fixed for the Resident Medical Superintendent in the present circumstances of exorbitant rates and acute distress prevailing in Tirconaill?
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - TIRCONAILL MENTAL HOSPITAL.
Dr. Martin, formerly Assistant Medical Officer, has been appointed Resident Medical Superintendent of Tirconaill Mental Hospital by the Committee of Management. The application of the Committee for sanction to the appointment has been received, and before any decision is reached full consideration will be given to the Deputy's suggestion of making the appointment probationary. The Inspector of Mental Hospitals has been instructed to give particular attention to the administration of this mental hospital. The Committee have fixed the salary for the post of Resident Medical Superintendent at £700 per annum, which has been approved as reasonable, having regard to the responsibilities of the principal administrative officer and the qualifications required. The allowances attached to the post have been reduced and revalued.