asked the Minister for Health if he will state (a) what tribunal adjudicates and reports on charges made against storekeepers of mental hospitals as to the manner in which they discharge their duties, (b) if legal aid is permitted when charges are made or offences are alleged against them regarding surpluses or deficiencies, (c) whether he is bound to accept the findings and recommendation of the tribunal, and (d) if he may reinstate a person found responsible for a deficiency amounting to hundreds of pounds and give that person so found guilty by a tribunal another chance to become an efficient and responsible official.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Charges against Storekeepers of Mental Hospitals.
The investigation of anycharge against a storekeeper in a district mental hospital in connection with the performance of his duties is a matter in the first instance for the appropriate mental hospital authority, subject to the provisions of Part II of the Local Government Act, 1941, and to any direction given by me under Section 277 of the Mental Treatment Act or Section 83 of the Local Government Act, 1941, in regard to the holding of a local inquiry. When an inquiry is held at my direction, the officer concerned may attend and be legally represented. The action to be taken as a result of an inquiry is a matter for determination by me, having regard to the evidence tendered at the inquiry.