§ MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)I beg to ask the Chef Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Deland whether he is aware that the Ballinasloe Board of Guardians failed to procure a medical officer for the Kilian dispensary district at the salary of £120 per annum; and if so, can he say whether any medical men stated to that Board in writing at what salary they would be willing to accept office, and, if so, at what amount; and whether he can say how many vacancies exist at present in the Irish dispensary service, and for what period has each district been vacant; what fees are being paid per week to the temporary medical officers in charge of these districts; how lunch per week is paid in advertising the vacancies in each union;
† See (4) Debates, cxix., 1469.914 and how much of the total cost of locum tenens fees and advertisements is refunded by the Treasury to the guardians in each case.
§ MR. WYNDHAMThe vacancy in Baliinasloe Union was created on the 20th June, The guardians advertised for a medical officer at a salary of £120 a year. Two gentlemen offered their services at £200 a year. The guardians, however, decided to re-advertise at the former salary. There are eight other vacancies; two occurred in November last, the remaining six are of very recent occurrence. Temporary medical officers are usually paid £4 4s. a week. The cost of advertisements is not officially known. Recoupment is made in respect only of approved salary.
§ MR. DELANY (Queen's County, Ossory)asked whether the right hon. Gentleman was able to say whether these vacancies continued in consequence of the action of the Irish Medical Association using intimidation against medical practitioners in Ireland and preventing them from taking up appointments?
§ MR. WYNDHAMdid not know that intimidation was the proper word to use in this matter There had been speeches made and resolutions passed suggestion that no medical officer should accept any of these appointment without a salary of £200 a year. He knew that medical officers in Ireland had a good deal to do, and that their salaries were not high. He thought, however, that their claims would be more deserving of recognition if they abandoned the practice, and awaited the result of the Viceregal Commission which was now inquiring into the amalgamation of Unions and Poor Law questions.