asked the Minister for Health the number of health inspectors employed by the Eastern Health Board; if he will outline the required qualifications for the positions; and if he considers that the present number of health inspectors is adequate.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Eastern Health Board Inspectors.
9.
The number of health inspector posts approved for the region of the Eastern Health Board is 72. The qualifications declared for the office of health inspector include good character, satisfactory health and an age limit of 45 years; a candidate is also required to have obtained a certificate, recognised by the Minister for Health after an examination following a course of training in health inspection. Any woman holding the office is required to be either unmarried or a widow.
The adequacy of the number of health inspectors employed by the Eastern Health Board is primarily a matter for that body. While there are no proposals at present before me seeking consent for appointments to additional posts, I understand that the board have the matter under consideration.