Vol. 244 No. 8
andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Defence if he has received representations from the Irish Medical Union concerning the conditions of service of members of the medical profession in the Defence Forces; and, if so, what action he proposes to take on the matter.
126.
andDr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Defence whether the Irish Medical Union have sought an interview with him on the subject of conditions of service in the Defence Forces of the members of the medical profession; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in regard to it.
With your permission, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 and 126 together.
The Irish Medical Union has made representations to me concerning the conditions of service of doctors in the Army Medical Corps and has requested an interview with officers of my Department regarding the matter. Pending clarification of the position regarding members of the medical profession in other areas of the public sector, it would not be practicable for me to reach a decision on these matters. Accordingly the union was informed that a discussion could not serve any useful purpose. As soon as it is possible for me to reach a firm conclusion, I shall get in touch with the union.
Could I ask the Minister when he first got representations from the Medical Union on this matter?
On 20th February, 1968.
Surely the Minister will agree that that is an undue delay in coming to a decision? Has he any idea that there will be some expedition in coming to a decision?
In the context of the reply I have given, I think the Deputy will accept that the undue delay taking place does not fall within the ambit of my Department. A settlement must first be reached between the Medical Union and the local authorities.
Is it not obvious that nobody is taking a decision in regard to the matter at all? Is the Minister precluded from dealing with the union? Is he in any way, ethically, professionally or from a Constitutional point of view, precluded?
Yes. I think any action taken by me now in advance of the arrangements that have to be made between local authorities and the Medical Union would, in fact, be prejudicial to the public good.
Would the Minister tell me what is the present position in regard to these negotiations? Is there any progress being made?
My Department are awaiting the outcome of these discussions.
Could the Minister say when this outcome is likely to take place? Has he any idea at all?
This would be mere speculation. It would be attempting to predict what will happen in future and I am not disposed to do that.
February, 1968—you are in no hurry.
Could the Minister say how long these negotiations between the Medical Union and the local authorities have been in progress?
I have answered that already.
Not your negotiations —the negotiations between the local authorities and the union.
I do not know.
The Minister could not say whether it was after the date an application was made to him or not?
The Minister has no responsibility in the matter of negotiations between the Irish Medical Union and local authorities.
The Minister has just now given that as an excuse for not negotiating himself.
It is not an excuse; it is a reason. There is a difference.
It is the reason—let us call it that.
Do not misunderstand me for a moment.
The Minister has a responsibility to his employees.
There is a great difference between an excuse and a reason. I am giving a very good and valid reason.
I accept the distinction but I am asking the Minister when this complication came in.
I have answered the Deputy. I do not know.
It is not an answer. It is a non-answer.
Surely the Minister must agree, in view of the fact that a number of his employees are dissatisfied, that it is his responsibility. He cannot wash his hands of it in this way.
The Minister is not washing his hands of it.
He is giving a damn good imitation.
What the Deputy is ignoring is that this is by no means a simple matter of negotiation between the Department of Defence and the Irish Medical Union alone. It concerns the relations between the whole public sector and the medical profession and this is by no means a simple thing.
