asked the Minister for Health whether, in view of the recent outbreaks of smallpox in Britain and of typhoid in Zermatt, Switzerland, and the possible implications to Irish trade and the tourist industry, he will make a statement as to his intentions in regard to the future of the public health service in this country; whether he is aware of the discontent in the ranks of the assistant chief medical officers at their treatment at the hands of the Managers' Association; and what action he proposes to take to prevent the eventual collapse of the public health service in Ireland, in view of the mounting numbers of resignations, the inadequate salary scale for married assistants, the drop in the number and in the quality of applicants to the service, and the lack of promotion opportunities.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Health Service.
Comprehensive powers to deal with cases of infectious disease, or possible outbreaks, are conferred on local health authorities and their chief medical officers. Every necessary precaution is taken to prevent the introduction of infectious disease to this country and special measures are applied when particular circumstances warrant this course e.g. the airport and seaport screening of passengers following the outbreak of smallpox referred to by the Deputy.
It might be noted that no case of smallpox has occurred here for many years. Only one case of typhoid associated with the recent Zermatt outbreak was reported here and this case was speedily and effectively dealt with, without recourse to special measures.
I fear that in the latter portion of the question the Deputy has unwittingly conveyed an exaggerated picture of the situation. I can assure the Deputy that I appreciate fully the importance of an efficient public health service and that I shall continue to take all reasonable steps open to me to maintain that efficiency.
Does the Minister not agree there is a difficulty in recruiting suitable staff in view of the conditions of service offered?
I cannot agree with that.
Does the Minister not agree he sent a circular in connection with it?
The circular was really to try to stimulate a certain degree of generosity on the part of certain health authorities. It did not imply that the difficulties were such as the Deputy suggests in his question.