asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that a number of persons, who suffered from T.B., are finding it difficult to obtain employment on their discharge from hospital, and, if so, whether the recommendation given in this connection to local authorities still remains in operation; further, whether the recommendation applies to Government Departments and semi-State bodies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - T.B. Patients: Employment.
So far as the permanent staffs of Government Departments, local authorities and some semi-State bodies are concerned, the position is that extended sick leave with pay is granted to persons who contract T.B. and that they may return to their former employments as soon as they are medically certified to be in a fit state of health to do so. Many private employers, I understand, act similarly in regard to their staffs. Despite all this, however, I am aware that a number of persons who suffered from T.B. find it difficult to obtain suitable employment on their discharge from hospital.
The Deputy's question refers to a circular letter issued by my Department to health authorities in which they were informed that nursing and other staff suffering from or who had suffered from T.B. should not be disqualified for employment in T.B. institutions provided the health authority were satisfied that they were not a source of infection and that they were capable of performing the duties attached to their posts. That recommendation remains in operation. It has, moreover, been extended by the coming into force of the Health (Officers) Regulations, 1953, which provide that a person may qualify for appointment on certain conditions to a permanent pensionable post on the medical, technical, nursing or other suitable staff of such institutions notwithstanding that he or she is or has been suffering from T.B.
These arrangements apply only to certain suitable employments in T.B. institutions under the control of local authorities. The general question of the employment of disabled or partially disabled persons, including persons who have suffered from T.B., involving such matters as special training and the possible reservation of certain classes of employment for such persons, is a much wider one which is at present having close attention.
Can I take it from the Minister's reply that if a position or a vacancy occurs in a State or semi-State company or under a particular Government Department—where that vacancy or that position is of a temporary character and where all the applicants are of equal status—extra marks will be afforded to an applicant who has been unfortunate enough to have suffered from T.B. in the past?
I am afraid I could not give the Deputy that information.