asked the Minister for Local Government if he will state (a) the number of relieving officers employed in County Westmeath prior to the amalgamation scheme and their total salaries; (b) the total amount paid in pensions in respect of the relieving officers whose services were dispensed with; (c) the total amount of salaries paid to persons who replaced the relieving officers; (d) the total salaries paid each of the officials in Mullingar, Athlone, and Delvin Workhouses prior to the amalgamation; (e) the total amount of pensions paid to the officials whose services were discontinued in those Unions on amalgamation; (f) the total salaries at present paid each of the officials in Mullingar County Home, and Athlone District Hospital; (g) if it is a fact that each retained official has now a bigger salary for the same work than that received prior to amalgamation.
CEISTEANNA.—QUESTIONS. [ORAL ANSWERS.] - CO. WESTMEATH POOR LAW OFFICIALS.
SEAN O LAIDHIN (for Mr. McKenna)
The assembling of this information would occupy considerable time in my Department. If the Deputy would in the first instance address his inquiries to the local authorities concerned, I will be pleased to assist him as regards any matters which may remain on which information is desired.
Is the Minister aware that it costs over £3,000 more under the present system of amalgamation than it cost under the old system?
I was not aware of that fact, and I am surprised to hear it.
Will the Minister cause an inquiry to be held into the matter of whether the amalgamation in Westmeath is costing more or whether it is working successfully?
I am aware that the Deputy's statement is not correct. I am a member of the Board.