asked the Minister for Justice if arrangements are in operation to provide free medical treatment to members of the Gárda Síochána and, if so, whether he would consider the question of extending these privileges to their families.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR GÁRDA.
A medical attendant paid out of public funds is appointed for each station whose duty it is to give necessary medical service to all members of the party at the station. I have looked into the question of extending the privilege of free medical attendance to the families of married members of the Gárda, but I am unable to take the view that the extra cost involved would be a justifiable public expenditure.
Is the Minister aware that these privileges were extended to the relatives of the late R.I.C.?
That is so. Relatives of members of the R.I.C. did receive free medical attendance, but the doctors were paid, I think, the sum of 4/- per head. At the present moment we pay only 2/- per head to the doctors attending the Gárda.
Is the Minister of opinion that the members of the Gárda are in any better position to pay for medical treatment and attendance than the members of the late R.I.C.? Is he also aware that two days prior to the assassination of the late Minister for Justice he promised to consider favourably this question, and that Mr. O'Friel was present?