asked the Minister for Health whether the Director of Forensic Psychiatry has yet been appointed; and when he will take up duty.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Director of Forensic Psychiatry.
13.
It is presumed that the question refers to a post of clinical director in the psychiatric service operated by the Dublin Health Authority, the appointee to which may be given special responsibility in the field of forensic psychiatry.
A candidate for appointment to this post has been recommended by the Local Appointments Commissioners. The health authority has requested the candidate to indicate when he will be able to take up duty and is awaiting his reply.
Is it not a fact that there has been a scandalous delay in the making of this appointment? Is it not a fact that a most distinguished Irishman, and a world authority on this subject, is agreeable to take up this appointment and has been offered this appointment by the Local Appointments Commission, but because he will not be conceded his rights of superannuation, won for himself in the British National Health Service, he will not take up the post? Would the Minister not agree that he should be accorded these superannuation rights in relation to his service in the British National Health Service?
I am not advised of any of that. All I know is that somebody has been offered the post.
The whole problem of drug addiction, criminality and adolescent crime is bound up in this answer. Would the Minister not treat as a matter of urgency the fact that this very brilliant psychiatrist will not come because of this relatively small point and will the Minister undertake to look into it?
I shall inquire into what the Deputy says, but in fact we have been taking steps to improve the psychiatric service which the Deputy may not be aware of.
1966.
We have arranged for post-graduate teaching of psychiatrists recently and have allocated a sum of money for that purpose.
Will the Minister undertake to look into this specific point?
I shall inquire into it.