§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, Whether the medical officer to the Ardagh Dispensary District is living in the district, as required by the Rules of the Local Government 96 Board, Ireland; whether the present medical officer has resided in Athea since he has held the appointment; whether, on two occasions—namely, June 4 and July 17, 1888, the Local Government Board communicated their opinion, as well as that of Dr. Thompson, their Inspector, to the effect that they would require the Rules of residence should be carried out; and, whether, in the interests of the sick poor, the Local Government Board's Resolution will be enforced?
§ THE CHIEF SECRETARY (Mr. A. J. BALFOUR) (Manchester, E.)In 1879 the residence of the medical officer of the Ardagh Dispensary District was changed by the Dispensary Committee to Newcastle, a little outside the district, owing to the more central position of that town, and to the fact that no residence could be obtained at Ardagh, where most of the medical officer's work is done. The Local Government Board entered into correspondence on the subject on the dates named in the Question. In view, however, of the strong representations of the Committee and of the Board of Guardians, supported by the statements of persons who knew the wants of the district, and having regard to the Report of their Inspector to the effect that from the shape of the district Newcastle was as convenient a location for the medical officer as any portion of the district, they decided not to disturb the existing arrangement.
§ DR. TANNERpointed out that the medical officer's work would sometimes involve a journey of 24 miles; and in the interest of the sick poor he would put a further Question on the subject.