asked the Minister for Health why no RMS has been appointed during the past two years at the Galway Regional Hospital; and if he will state the name of the doctor acting in that capacity, and the name of the doctor acting as RMS on the 23rd January, 1962.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Galway Hospital RMS.
10.
The office of Resident Medical Superintendent, Galway Regional Hospital, became vacant in July, 1960. As the office is one to which the Local Authorities (Officers and Employees) Act, 1926 applies, the Local Appointments Commissioners were requested to select a candidate to fill the vacancy. A competition was held recently and I understand that a recommendation of a suitable candidate will shortly be made.
I should explain that on the occurrence of the vacancy, it was necessary to review the entire position as the hospitalisation pattern in the Galway area had altered considerably since the original post was created. This review necessarily took some time and gave rise to delay in referring the post to the Local Appointments Commissioners. I would refer the Deputy to the reply given to him on the 21st March, 1962, regarding the arrangements which have existed in the Galway Regional Hospital since the post of Resident Medical Superintendent became vacant.
The Minister has failed to answer the question. I asked him will he name the doctor who was in charge on the night of 23rd January last, and he has failed to answer.
That does not arise on this question.
It does arise.
It is specifically asked.
The Minister is still covering up, trying to get into the good graces of the Medical Association.
I have answered the question fully.
The Minister has not. That is the way he answers a great many question, but he will have to answer elsewhere.