asked the Minister for Health if he will state why Circular 74-49 was issued by him requesting within 24 hours of the date of their receipt, particulars of any complaints which may be received alleging failure on the part of any medical officer employed by public assistance or health authorities to provide satisfactory medical attention for any person entitled to such medical attention under the Public Assistance Acts or any public health scheme; whether there was any foundation for the inference that medical officers were guilty of dereliction of duty; whether he is aware that the issue of the circular presupposed the possibility of Departmental and Ministerial prejudgment and was an encouragement to certain persons to indulge in frivolous complaints; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Circular to Medical Officers.
A glance at the circular will make it clear that it was issued to elicit certain information.
In regard to the second part of the question, I am satisfied that medical officers as a whole carry out their duties most conscientiously and if anybody chooses to draw ill-considered or unjust inferences to the contrary from the issue of the circular I cannot be held to be responsible for them.
In regard to the third part, the simplicity of the wording of the circular defies any such interpretation. I do not subscribe to the implication that our people would deliberately indulge in the unscrupulous or unchristian practice of making frivolous complaints concerning matters of sickness or ill-health.
The answer to the last part of the question is "none".
Will the Minister agree that the circular contains an innuendo and reflection on the administration of local authorities hitherto in matters of this kind?
I cannot agree that it does. As I explained in my answer, to my mind it does not contain any such innuendo.
Will the Minister say what gave rise to the publication of the circular at all?
As the Deputy is aware, there is a reasonable degree of freedom of the Press involved in democratic States and I see no reason why a circular such as this should not be published if the newspapers consider it in the public interest.
Will the Minister agree that this circular will give an opportunity to a number of tramps and neurotics to indulge in frivolous or unfounded allegations against dispensary doctors which may result in those doctors being compelled to seek legal aid in order to protect themselves against such allegations?
Is the Minister aware that the publication of his circular has given great cause for satisfaction to many members of the public who were disquieted by reports in connection with the matter referred to?
That is a reflection on an honourable profession.
In reply to Deputy Dr. Maguire, I would not like him to believe that the circular, as far as we are concerned in the Department of Health, implied any reflection on his and on my own very honourable profession. In relation to the question of neurotics and other persons, it is a medical problem as to whether a neurotic can or cannot be treated. The Deputy must also give us some credit for being able to judge the merits or demerits of any particular complaint.