asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to adhere to the arrangement whereby the health boards employ health inspectors, while 70 per cent of their time is given up to local authority work, on an agency basis.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Inspectors.
13.
Traditionally, health inspectors have been employed on an agency basis on environmental health work which is the statutory responsibility of local authorities. Following a recent review of the operation of the health inspectorate throughout the country, my Department have asked each health board to review the work arrangement in its area so as to ensure that adequate time is provided for achievement of work targets in respect of the health board's own responsibilities.
Is the Minister satisfied that the health boards are adequately compensated for the work done on this agency basis and that it is not a case of the tail wagging the dog 70 per cent of the time?
I can understand that the health inspectors association might feel that additional health inspectors should be employed by health boards so that the agency duties can be absorbed without detriment to health board work. The main concern of health boards must be that their own responsibilities in regard to food hygiene are adequately discharged. I share the concern of the Deputy and in July 1984 health boards were asked to ensure that the agency work of health boards did not result in neglecting the health board's direct responsibilities.
Apart from the health board inspectors, is the Minister aware that the CEO of the Eastern Health Board when addressing the health inspectors summer school in 1984 said that even a superficial look would indicate a serious organisational problem? Would the Minister agree that it is time organisational problems were closely examined to see what can be done in relation to getting more workmen?
The matter has been of concern because responsibility, particularly for environmental health matters, is shared by a number of Ministers, particularly the Ministers for the Environment and Health. A striking feature of a review which was undertaken was that a considerable proportion of the work of health inspectors was being devoted to the performance of duties on behalf of local authorities. We have endeavoured to bring a balance into that and I share the Deputies concern in that regard.