asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state if he has received a resolution from the Committee of Management, Portlaoighise District Mental Hospital relative to the payment of medical expenses in respect of treatment in extern institutions of attendants employed in Portlaoighise Mental Hospital; and, if so, if he will state if a reply has been issued to the committee in the matter; or if he proposes to approve of the resolution.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Portlaoighise Hospital Attendants' Medical Expenses.
A proposal was submitted by the manager that all hospital expenses incurred by members of the staff of Pórtlaoighise District Mental Hospital who have to undergo treatment in extern hospitals be defrayed in future out of the funds of the mental hospital authority. This matter had a relation to the question of remuneration generally of attendants and mental nurses in provincial district mental hospitals and concerning which recommendations have now been made to district mental hospital authorities by circular letter of 8th October, 1945. The new inclusive scales recommended for adoption are in replacement of all existing rates of remuneration, allowances, good service pay, mental certificate allowances, payments or allowances for certain duties (e.g., night duty, duty in infirmary divisions), payments in respect of treatment and maintenance in extern hospitals, etc., and where the new scales operate, all payments or allowances of every kind under the old basis of remuneration and conditions cease —excepting approved emergency pay increases, which may continue to be paid.