asked the Minister for Health whether in view of the unrest concerning staffing and promotion in a hospital (name supplied) his Department made inquiries or took any action in the matter; and if he has any recommendations to make to avoid a similar situation in future.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Staffing of Hospital.
20.
It is presumed that the question relates to a situation in which members of the staff of a local authority hospital are reported as expressing dissatisfaction with certain appointments made by the local authority following open competition and selection by the Local Appointments Commission or a local selection board. While it is regrettable that such a situation should exist it is perhaps unavoidable no matter what method of appointment is operated that occasionally someone will not feel convinced that the best selection has been made. However, I have to point out that the methods of appointment in operation for our local service under statute and regulations have stood the test of time and are generally recognised as ensuring "a fair field and no favour" in appointments to the service.
May I point out to the Minister that there is considerable unrest between the staff and their superiors regarding promotion in this particular hospital and that it would be his duty to take immediate steps to help rectify the situation?
If I thought it was wise to intervene I would do so but all the information that has come to me leads me to believe that I should not interefere with this traditional method of appointment which is bound to create some disappointment in certain cases. I have read the entire report on arrangements for making these appointments both by the local selection board and the local appointments committee and I cannot find anything that would justify my undertaking any kind of inquiry at the moment. I am always willing to reexamine the situation in the case of my getting any further information.
Would the Minister consider meeting some of the staff who have expressed grievances in this matter?
I would have to consider that because that would set a precedent that would be difficult to follow.
How does the Deputy know which hospital it is when it is not named?
I know about my constituents.
(Interruptions.)