I move that the Bill do now pass. In doing so perhaps I should refer to the discussion which took place on Section 17 of the Bill in Committee, when Deputy Haughey, Deputy Cummins and others referred to the uneasiness of the staff which would be transferred under this Bill to the new Health Authority with particular reference to those who were to be transferred to the Dublin Health Authority. I arranged for this matter to be discussed between officers of my Department and the Dublin City Manager. I understand that the latter has in fact been in conference since then with representatives of the staff concerned in the Dublin Corporation with particular reference to the possible loss of promotion prospects and the possible inconvenience to the staff arising from their transfer to offices situated elsewhere than in the City Hall.
Naturally the matter of promotion prospects has been one of major concern to the staff. The Manager is sympathetic towards them in this matter but cannot, of course, consider the claim of the Corporation staff who will be transferred to the Health Authority without reference to those who will be taken over from other Health Authorities in the area. Discussions with the representatives of the officials concerned are, I understand, in progress and at this stage I do not wish to say anything more except to assure the Deputies who raised this matter, and the House in general, that my attitude and that of the City Manager towards the staff to be transferred will be sympathetic. I am sure that I can say the same for the Managers in the other areas affected by the legislation.
