On the Local Government Estimate, I raised the question of the method, or lack of method, of, as I thought, the Local Government Department—I have since been informed that it is the Local Appointments Commission—with regard to filling various vacancies through the country. There was very severe criticism of the Department of Local Government and it was held up to odium because of delays of various kinds. I am now informed that, at least with regard to the making of appointments, they have endeavoured, and successfully endeavoured, to wash their hands of it, and that it is the failure of the Local Appointments Commission to do its job which is responsible.
I refer, in particular, to the appointment of a doctor to Roscommon County Hospital. That is a matter which nobody can understand. The hospital, which is both a surgical and medical hospital, was opened, so far as the surgical side is concerned, before Christmas, because we had the surgeon there, and, some weeks afterwards, we asked for a scheme from the Local Government Department in respect of the appointment of a physician for the medical side. We did not agree with the Department in respect of the scheme that should function and about three weeks or a month were lost. Eventually we accepted the Department's scheme. That was, I think, in March, but from that day to this the Local Appointments Commission has held up the appointment and nothing has been done.
In accepting the Department's scheme, we sent a request to the Local Appointments Commission for the appointment of a physician, but notwithstanding the fact that the hospital is ready, is furnished and is operating on the surgical side from February to the end of July, there has not been a budge by the Local Appointments Commission. What is happening? I do not know what the difficulties are in getting together a selection board. So far as I am concerned, ever since the Local Appointments Commission was set up in 1926, I have been a firm upholder of its findings. I think it is the best system, but my confidence has been shaken lately. The position with regard to delays is unpardonable. I do not know whether the whisperings are right or not, but I am told that many of the delays are occasioned by certain persons looking about for the right doctors to put on the selection board, so that certain people will be selected. I do not want to believe these whisperings, but there is something very fishy about the delays.
I think these people who are paid by the State to carry out these duties ought to carry them out. It is very unfair to the ratepayers of Roscommon who have asked for this appointment, and who have fallen in with the views of the Local Government Department months ago, that nothing has been done. The hospital is there, with beds in it, but with no patients, because we have no physician. It is a scandal which ought to be remedied, and I am glad of the opportunity of raising it on this Vote.