Vol. 241 No. 10
asked the Minister for Health if he will have consultations with a view to having county managers settle their existing dispute with the Irish Medical Association, as the continuation of this dispute is causing severe hardship both to dispensary patients and doctors.
16.
asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to intervene in the present dispute between the county managers and the medical union; and, if so, when.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
Presumably the Deputies refer to a claim made by representatives of district medical officers for a major change in the basis of granting them time off duty. As the claim has not so far been conceded by the employing health authorities, one of the staff organisations concerned—the Medical Union—has instructed its members not to make their services available as substitutes for district medical officers who may have to absent themselves from duty because of illness. I have had discussions in the matter recently with representatives of the doctors; these discussions are continuing.
Would the Minister agree that the medical officers referred to by the Medical Union in Question No. 16, apart from their holidays, have two days off per year from their duties —Christmas Day and Good Friday?
The medical officers have been in contact with the local authorities. There is difficulty in making changes within a financial year in regard to such matters. I myself was in touch with the Medical Union with a view to trying to have some understanding with them. I would not wish to comment at this stage on any matter concerned with this question.
Would the Minister confirm that the Irish Medical Union have made it plain to the public that no member of the public would be deprived of medical services as a result of their action?
That would seem to be the case. I have not had any complaints of grave illness or failure to contact a patient arising from the action taken by the Medical Union. I hope that will continue to be the case pending the settlement.
