asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that sanction has not yet been given to the proposal of the South Cork Board of Assistance to appoint Dr. E.F. Nyhan, Johnstown, County Cork, to the vacant dispensary district of Carrigaline, and if he will state why sanction has not been given to the proposal to transfer Dr. Nyhan from one Board of Assistance area to another.
CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - CARRIGALINE DISPENSARY VACANCY.
In the case of this vacancy the South Cork Board of Public Assistance notified each medical officer in their employment of the existence of the vacancy but no applications were received. The Board, however, have proposed to appoint Doctor Nyhan, a dispensary doctor in the employment of the West Cork Board of Public Assistance. The Board were informed by the Department on the 17th February that the most suitable method of filling the vacancy was under Section 6 of the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act, 1926, by requesting the Local Appointments Commission concerned to recommend a person for the appointment.
In the circumstances I have been unable to sanction the making of the appointment under Section 5 of the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act, 1926. Lest misapprehension should arise I might add that no unfavourable view is held as to either the suitability or professional attainments of Doctor Nyhan. Where existing medical officers of a Board of Health do not apply for appointment to a vacancy it appears clear that the appropriate procedure is that provided under Section 6 of the Act which affords opportunity to eligible candidates generally.