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Uimhir 10 de 1944.
ACHT NA mBAN CABHARTHA, 1944.
[An tionntódh oifigeamhail.]
CUID I.
Reamhraiteach agus Generalta.
Gearr-theideal agus tosach feidhme.
1.—(1) Féadfar Acht na mBan Cabhartha, 1944, do ghairm den Acht so.
(2) Tiocfaidh an tAcht so i ngníomh an 1adh lá d'Eanar, 1945.
Mínithe.
2.—San Acht so—
cialluíonn an abairt “an lá ceaptha” an lá thiocfaidh an tAcht so i ngníomh, eadhon, an 1adh lá d'Eanar, 1945;
cialluíonn an abairt “an Bord” Príomh-Bhord na mBan Cabhartha bunuítear leis an Acht so;
cialluíonn an abairt “an sean-Bhord” an Bord a mbeidh Achtanna na mBan Cabhartha, 1918 agus 1931 (a hathghairmtear leis an Acht so) á riaradh aca roimh an lá ceaptha;
cialluíonn an abairt “an sean-rolla” an rolla atá á choimeád ag an sean-Bhord de dhaoine arna ndeimhniú fé Achtanna na mBan Cabhartha, 1918 agus 1931 (a hathghairmtear leis an Acht so);
cialluíonn an abairt “údarás áitiúil” údarás áitiúil chun crícheanna an Achta Rialtais Áitiúil, 1941 (Uimh. 23 de 1941);
tá leis an abairt “tigh máithreachais” an bhrí atá léi san Acht um Chlárú Tithe Máithreachais, 1934 (Uimh. 14 de 1934);
cialluíonn an abairt “dochtúir oifigiúil” príomh-dhochtúir oifigiúil sláinte do chontae-bhuirg no dochtúir oifigiúil contae (do réir mar oireann);
cialluíonn an abairt “bean chabhartha” bean arna clárú sa rolla de mhná cabhartha;
cialluíonn an abairt “suaitheantas mná cabhartha” suaitheantas do bhéarfaidh an Bord amach fé rialacha déanfar chun crícheanna ailt 44 den Acht so;
cialluíonn an abairt “deimhniú mná cabhartha” deimhniú do bhéarfaidh an Bord amach fé alt 31 den Acht so;
cialluíonn an abairt “an tAire” an tAire Riaghaltais Aiteamhail agus Sláinte Poiblidhe;
cialluíonn rud do bheith “orduithe” é bheith orduithe le rialacha déanfar fén Acht so;
cialluíonn an abairt “imeachta chun ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha” imeachta bunófar fé rialacha déanfar chun crícheanna ailt 25 den Acht so;
cialluíonn an abairt “an rolla de mhná cabhartha” an rolla bheidh á choimeád ag an mBord fé alt 23 den Acht so;
cialluíonn an abairt “rialacha déanfar fén Acht so” rialacha déanfar fé alt 18 den Acht so.
An t-údarás maoirseachta áitiúil.
3.—Beidh gach comhairle chontae agus bárdas contae-bhuirge ina údarás maoirseachta áitiúil chun crícheanna an Achta so don cheanntar is ionann agus an chontae no an chontae-bhuirg sin.
Athghairm agus cúlghairm.
4.—(1) Déantar leis seo na hachtacháin a luaidhtear sa Sceideal a ghabhann leis an Acht so d'athghairm a mhéid a luaidhtear sa tríú colún den Sceideal san.
(2) Cúlghairmtear leis seo Ordú Phríomh-Bhord na mBan Cabhartha, 1923.
CUID II.
Priomh-Bhord na mBan Cabhartha.
An Bord do bhunú.
5.—(1) Déanfar, de bhuadh an ailt seo, bord do bhunú ar an lá ceaptha ar a dtabharfar mar ainm agus mar theideal Príomh-Bhord na mBan Cabhartha.
(2) Isiad is céad-chomhaltaí an Bhuird ná na daoine arbh iad comhaltaí an tsean-Bhuird iad díreach roimh an lá ceaptha.
(3) Beidh an Bord ina gcólucht corpruithe go síor-chomharbas agus féadfaid dul chun dlí agus féadfar dul chun dlí leo féna n-ainm chorpruithe agus féadfaid talamh do shealbhú agus do chur de láimh.
Séala an Bhuird.
6.—(1) Soláthróidh an Bord séala dhóibh féin, agus déanfar an séala san do dhílse-dheimhniú le sighniú Chathaoirleach an Bhuird no chomhalta éigin eile dhe go n-údarás aige ón mBord chun gníomhú chuige sin maraon le sighniú an rúnaí no sighniú oifigigh éigin eile don Bhord go n-údarás aige ón mBord chun gníomhú chuige sin.
(2) Bhéarfar áird ar shéala an Bhuird i gcúrsaí breithiúnais agus gach scríbhinn a bhéarfaidh le tuigsint gur ionstruim í do rinne an Bord agus í bheith séaluithe le séala an Bhuird (agus an séala san dílse-dheimhnithe de dheallramh do réir an ailt seo) glacfar i bhfianaise í agus is tuigthe gurb í an ionstruim sin í gan á thuille cruthúnais mara gcruthuítear a mhalairt.
Líon comhaltaí an Bhuird.
7.—(1) Aon duine dhéag is líon comhaltaí don Bhord.
(2) Más lugha ná aon duine dhéag líon na ndaoine thiocfaidh chun bheith ina gcéad-chomhaltaí den Bhord, déanfaidh an tAire, an lá ceaptha no a luaithe is féidir dá éis, oiread daoine do cheapadh chun bheith ina gcomhaltaí den Bhord agus a bhéarfaidh líon comhaltaí an Bhuird suas go dtí aon duine dhéag agus, ag ceapadh na ndaoine sin dó, féachfaidh an tAire don chó-dhéanamh is gá do réir an Achta so do bheith ar an mBord.
Bliain toghcháin.
8.—Isiad is blianta toghcháin chun crícheanna an Achta so ná na blianta 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, agus mar sin de.
An tAire do cheapadh comhaltaí den Bhord.
9.—(1) Déanfaidh an tAire, roimh an 1adh lá d'Fheabhra i ngach bliain toghcháin, mórsheisear daoine do cheapadh chun bheith ina gcomhaltaí den Bhord.
(2) I gcás na ndaoine ceapfar fén alt so chun bheith ina gcomhaltaí den Bhord—
(a) beidh ceathrar aca ina mná cabhartha bheidh ina ngnáthchomhnaí sa Stát agus is amhlaidh a cheapfaidh an tAire iad tar éis dul i gcomhairle le pé eagrais bhanaltrais ionadathacha ar dóich leis gur ceart dul i gcomhairle leo, agus
(b) beidh duine ar a laghad den triúr eile aca ina dhochtúir leighis cláruithe.
Comhaltaí den Bhord do thoghadh.
10.—(1) Déanfaidh na dochtúirí leighis cláruithe bheidh ina ngnáth-chomhnaí sa Stát ceathrar daoine do thoghadh, roimh an 1adh lá d'Fheabhra i ngach bliain toghcháin, chun bheith ina gcomhaltaí den Bhord.
(2) Ní foláir gach duine toghfar fén alt so do bheith ina dhochtúir leighis cláruithe bheidh ina ghnáth-chomhnaí sa Stát.
(3) Déanfar gach toghchán fén alt so do réir rialachán a dhéanfaidh an tAire chuige sin, agus isé bheidh ina cheann cóimhrimh ná cathaoirleach an Bhuird no duine ainmneoidh cathaoirleach an Bhuird.
Téarma oifige comhaltaí an Bhuird.
11.—(1) Tosnóidh téarma oifige chomhalta den Bhord—
(a) i gcás céad-chomhalta, an lá ceaptha;
(b) i gcás comhalta ceapfar de bhíthin líon na gcéadchomhaltaí do bheith fé bhun aon duine dhéag, lá a cheaptha;
(c) i gcás comhalta có-thoghfar no ceapfar chun fo-fholúntais, lá a chó-thoghtha no a cheaptha; agus
(d) i ngach cás eile, an 1adh lá d'Fheabhra sa bhliain toghcháin iomchuibhe.
(2) Marab éag no eirghe as no cur as oifig roimhe sin do chomhalta den Bhord, críochnóidh a théarma oifige an 31adh lá d'Eanar sa chéad bhliain toghcháin tar éis tosach a théarma oifige.
(3) Comhalta den Bhord a bheidh ag dul as oifig no seanchomhalta den Bhord féadfaidh bheith ina chomhalta den Bhord athuair.
Comhaltaí den Bhord d'eirghe as.
12.—Féadfaidh comhalta den Bhord eirghe as a oifig mar chomhalta den Bhord trí leitir a cuirfear chun an Bhuird leis an bpost cláruithe, agus raghaidh an eirghe as in éifeacht i dtosach an chéad chruinnithe den Bhord a bheidh ann tar éis an leitir sin d'fháil.
Cathaoirleach an Bhuird.
13.—(1) Déanfaidh an Bord, ag an gcéad chruinniú bheidh aca tar éis an lae cheaptha agus fós ag an gcéad chruinniú bheidh aca tar éis an 31adh lá d'Eanar i ngach bliain toghcháin, duine dá gcomhaltaí do thoghadh chun bheith ina chathaoirleach ar an mBord.
(2) I gcás oifig chathaoirleach an Bhuird do theacht chun bheith folamh ar shlí seachas trí dhul in éag do théarma oifige cathaoirligh déanfaidh an Bord, ag á gcéad chruinniú eile, duine dá gcomhaltaí do thoghadh chun bheith ina chathaoirleach ar an mBord.
(3) Beidh gach cathaoirleach ar an mBord, mara dtárluighe roimhe sin é d'éag no d'eirghe as oifig an chathaoirligh no é do scur de bheith ina chathaoirleach fé fho-alt (5) den alt so, i seilbh oifige mar chathaoirleach go dtí an 31adh lá d'Eanar sa chéad bhliain toghcháin tar éis é thoghadh mar chathaoirleach.
(4) Féadfaidh cathaoirleach an Bhuird eirge as a oifig mar chathaoirleach tráth ar bith trí leitir a díreofar chun an Bhuird, agus raghaidh an eirghe as in éifeacht i dtosach an chéad chruinnithe den Bhord a bheidh ann tar éis an leitir sin d'fháil.
(5) Má thárlann do chathaoirleach an Bhuird, le linn a théarma oifige mar chathaoirleach, é scur de bheith ina chomhalta den Bhord, beidh sé dí-cháilithe chun bheith, agus scuirfidh láithreach de bheith, ina chathaoirleach ar an mBord.
(6) Má thárlann, agus cathaoirleach an Bhuird á thoghadh, na vótaí do bhéarfar do bheirt nó níos mó do bheith có-ionann, cinnfear le crannchur cé aca de na daoine sin bheidh ina chathaoirleach ar an mBord.
Cruinnithe agus nós imeachta an Bhuird.
14.—(1) Beidh trí chruinniú ar a laghad ag an mBord gach bliain agus beidh aca freisin pé cruinnithe eile is gá chun a bhfeidhmeanna do chólíonadh go cuibhe.
(2) Ceathrar is cuórum do chruinniú den Bhord.
(3) Gníomhóidh cathaoirleach an Bhuird mar chathaoirleach ar gach cruinniú den Bhord ag á mbeidh sé i láthair.
(4) I gcás cathaoirleach an Bhuird do bheith as láthair o aon chruinniú den Bhord, no gan aon chathaoirleach ar an mBord do bheith in oifig le linn aon chruinnithe áirithe den Bhord, déanfaidh na comhaltaí den Bhord a bheidh i láthair duine dhíobh féin do thoghadh chun bheith ina chathaoirleach ar an gcruinniú agus má thárlann, agus an toghadh san á dhéanamh, na vótaí do bhéarfar do bheirt nó níos mó do bheith có-ionann, cinnfear le crannchur cé aca de na daoine sin a bheidh ina chathaoirleach ar an gcruinniú.
(5) Déanfar gach ceist eireoidh ag cruinniú den Bhord do chinneadh le móráireamh vótaí na gcomhaltaí a bheidh i láthair agus a vótálfaidh ar an gceist agus, i gcás có-ionannais vótaí, beidh an dara vóta no vóta réitigh ag cathaoirleach an chruinnithe ach amháin nuair isé toghadh chathaoirleach an Bhuird an cheist a bheidh le cinneadh.
(6) Féadfaidh an Bord gníomhú d'ainneoin folúntas no folúntais do bheith imeasc a gcomhaltaí.
(7) Íocfaidh an Bord le gach duine fé leith dá gcomhaltaí na costais féna ragha sé ag freastal cruinnithe den Bhord agus is do réir scála bheidh ceaduithe ag an Aire bheidh na híocaíochta.
(8) Déanfaidh an Bord, fé réir forálacha an Achta so, nós imeachta agus gnó an Bhuird do rialáil le rialacha déanfar fén Acht so agus féadfaidh, go sonnrach, socrú do dhéanamh leis na rialacha san i dtaobh bunú, feidhmeanna, agus nós imeachta coistí den Bhord.
Fo-fholúntais.
15.—(1) Aon fholúntas a thárlóidh i gcomhaltas an Bhuird de bhíthin duine d'fháil bháis, d'eirghe as no do chur as oifig, líonfar é—
(a) i gcás gur duine do toghadh ina chomhalta den Bhord an duine is siocair leis an bhfolúntas, trí dhuine do chóthoghadh ag na daoine eile do toghadh ina gcomhaltaí den Bhord, agus
(b) in aon chás eile, tríd an Aire do cheapadh duine fé réir srianta den tsaghas chéanna (más ann) a bhain le ceapadh an chomhalta is siocair leis an bhfolúntas.
(2) Einne có-thoghfar fé mhír (a) d'fho-alt (1) den alt so féachfar air ina dhiaidh sin, chun crícheanna na míre sin, mar dhuine do toghadh ina chomhalta den Bhord.
Comhalta den Bhord do chur as oifig.
16.—Féadfaidh an tAire tráth ar bith, le hordú, aon chomhalta den Bhord do chur as oifig.
Oifigigh agus seirbhísigh an Bhuird.
17.—(1) Ceapfaidh an Bord pé daoine agus pé méid daoine ina n-oifigigh (ar a n-áirmhítear rúnaí) agus ina seirbhísigh don Bhord a mheasfaidh an Bord o am go ham do bheith ceart fé réir toiliú an Aire, agus gach duine ceapfar amhlaidh déanfaidh an Bord é do roghnú i pé slí (más ann) a ordóidh an tAire.
(2) Cólíonfaidh gach oifigeach agus seirbhíseach don Bhord na dualgais a cheanglóidh an Bord no cheanglann an tAcht so air a chólíonadh agus féadfar é chur as oifig mar is toil leis an mBord.
(3) Íocfaidh an Bord lena n-oifigigh agus lena seirbhísigh pé luach saothair agus liúntais a chinnfidh an Bord o am go ham le toiliú an Aire.
(4) Féadfaidh an Bord, le toiliú an Aire, liúntas bliantúil lena shaol no aisce d'íoc le héinne dá n-oifigigh no dá seirbhísigh ar é d'imeacht as seirbhís an Bhuird.
Comhacht chun rialacha do dhéanamh.
18.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord rialacha do dhéanamh—
(a) maidir le héinní dá dtagartar san Acht so mar ní is abhar do rialacha, agus
(b) go generálta chun an tAcht so do chur in éifeacht,
agus féadfaid le haon rialacha déanfar amhlaidh fuirmeacha d'ordú a bheidh le húsáid ar na hócáidí luadhfar ionta.
(2) Ní bheidh éifeacht ag rialacha déanfar fén alt so mara ndéana agus go dtí go ndéanfaidh an tAire iad do cheadú agus ní thabharfaidh an tAire aon cheadú den tsórt san uaidh ach amháin tar éis dul i gcomhairle le Comhairle Chlárathachta na nDochtúirí Leighis.
(3) Beidh de dhualgas ar an mBord aon rialacha bheidh beartuithe dhéanamh fén alt so do chur in iúl do Chomhairle Chlárathachta na nDochtúirí Leighis.
An Bord do chur tuarascbhála bliantúla chun an Aire.
19.—Déanfaidh an Bord, roimh an 1adh lá d'Abrán i ngach bliain, tuarascbháil ar a n-imeachta ar feadh na bliana roimhe sin do chur chun an Aire agus beidh sa tuarascbháil sin pé sonnraí ordóidh an tAire.
Ciste teagmhais.
20.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord ciste teagmhais do bhunú agus féadfaid pé íocaíochta d'íoc isteach sa chiste sin a mheasfaid is ceart o am go ham.
(2) Féadfaidh an Bord aon íocaíocht áirithe d'íoc isteach sa chiste bunófar fén alt so d'ainneoin go dtiocfaidh den íocaíocht san go mbeidh iarmhéid no méadú ar iarmhéid i gcoinnibh an Bhuird san achmaireacht a hullmhófar de bhun ailt 21 den Acht so agus a bhainfidh leis an mbliain ina ndéanfar an íocaíocht.
(3) Féadfaidh an Bord an t-airgead a bheidh sa chiste bunófar fén alt so do shuncáil in aon urrúis a bheidh údaruithe chun cistí iontaobhais do shuncáil ionta.
(4) Féadfaidh an Bord an ciste bunófar fén alt so d'úsáid chun teagmhais do fhreastal.
(5) Isé méid uasta is cead a bheith chun creidiúna aon tráth don chiste bunófar fén alt so ná sé chéad punt.
Cuntais an Bhuird agus iad d'iniúchadh.
21.—(1) Bhéarfaidh an Bord go ndéanfar cuntais ar fháltais agus ar íocaíochta an Bhuird (ar a n-áirmhítear íocaíochta a híocfar isteach sa chiste teagmhais a bunófar fé alt 20 den Acht so) do choimeád i pé fuirm ordóidh no cheadóidh an tAire.
(2) Déanfar suas cuntais an Bhuird in aghaidh na bliana go dtí an 31adh lá de Mhí na Nodlag.
(3) Iniúchfar cuntais an Bhuird ag iniúchóir rialtais áitiúil a cheapfaidh an tAire chuige sin o am go ham.
(4) Cinnfidh an tAire an táille bheidh le híoc ag an mBord i leith iniúchta fén alt so agus íocfaidh an Bord leis an Aire an táille cinnfear amhlaidh agus air sin déanfa seisean í d'íoc isteach sa Stát-Chiste no do chur chun tairbhe don Stát-Chiste i pé slí ordóidh an tAire Airgeadais.
(5) Déanfaidh an Bord achmaireacht ar chuntais an Bhuird maidir le gach bliain fé leith d'ullmhú i pé fuirm ordóidh no cheadóidh an tAire agus déanfaidh an t-iniúchóir rialtais áitiúil iniúchfaidh na cuntais sin a dheimhniú an achmaireacht san do bheith ceart.
(6) Déanfaidh an Bord—
(a) cóipeanna d'achmaireacht a hullmhófar de bhun fo-ailt (5) den alt so do choimeád ar fáil chun a gceannuithe no a n-iniúchta, agus
(b) deimhniú do bhéarfar de bhun fo-ailt (5) den alt so d'fhoillsiú,
i pé slí ordóidh no cheadóidh an tAire.
Iocaíochta o údaráis mhaoirseachta áitiúla leis an mBord.
22.—I gcás an achmaireacht, a hullmhófar de bhun ailt 21 den Acht so, ar chuntais an Bhuird maidir le haon bhliain áirithe do thaisbeáint iarmhéide i gcoinnibh an Bhuird, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) déanfaidh an Bord, le toiliú an Aire, an t-iarmhéid sin do chion-roinnt ar na húdaráis mhaoirseachta áitiúla do réir iomlán luachálanna ionrátuithe na maoine bheidh ina gceanntair fé seach;
(b) cuirfidh an Bord leis an bpost go dtí gach údarás maoirseachta áitiúil fé leith fógra ina luadhfar an méid do leagadh ar an údarás maoirseachta áitiúil sin leis an gcion-roinnt;
(c) déanfaidh an t-údarás maoirseachta áitiúil sin an ceathrú cuid den tsuim a luadhfar amhlaidh d'íoc leis an mBord fé cheann mí tar éis an fógra d'fháil agus íocfaid an chuid eile den tsuim sin leis an mBord fé cheann trí mhí tar éis an fógra d'fháil; agus
(d) má theipeann ar an údarás maoirseachta áitiúil sin aon cheann no an dá cheann de na híocaíochta san a dhéanamh féadfaidh an Bord an méid a bheidh dlite do bhaint amach mar fhiacha gnáth-chonnartha in aon chúirt dlighinse inniúla.
CUID III.
Mna Cabhartha.
An rolla de mhná cabhartha.
23.—(1) Coimeádfaidh an Bord rolla de mhná cabhartha.
(2) Déanfaidh an Bord an rolla de mhná cabhartha d'fhoillsiú pé trátha agus i pé slí ordóidh an tAire.
(3) Tiocfaidh an sean-rolla, ar an lá ceaptha, chun bheith ina rolla de mhná cabhartha.
(4) Bhéarfaidh an Bord go ndéanfar—
(a) aon earráid focal no earráid cléireachais sa rolla de mhná cabhartha do cheartú,
(b) aon iontráil sa rolla de mhná cabhartha do chealú ar trí chalaois no camthuairisc do tugadh í dhéanamh,
(c) aon athrú ar sheoladh mná bheidh cláruithe sa rolla de mhná cabhartha do chur sa rolla san,
(d) ainm aon mhná bheidh cláruithe sa rolla de mhná cabhartha do bhaint de más deimhin leo í bheith tar éis bháis no mara bhfaighid freagra ar leitir a cuireadh chuici fé fho-alt (6) den alt so fé cheann sé mhí tar éis í chur chuici.
(5) Beidh de dhualgas ar mhnaoi chabhartha aon athrú ar a hainm no ar a seoladh do chur in iúl don Bhord.
(6) Féadfaidh an Bord leitir do chur leis an bpost cláruithe go dtí aon bhean chabhartha, agus an leitir sin dírithe chun a seoladh mar a bheidh luaidhte sa rolla de mhná cabhartha, á fhiafruighe dhi ar athruigh sí a hainm no a seoladh.
(7) Beidh coimeád agus ceartú an rolla de mhná cabhartha mar chúram ar rúnaí an Bhuird ag gníomhú dhó fé réir ordachán an Bhuird.
Clárú sa rolla de mhná cabhartha.
24.—(1) Cláróidh an Bord sa rolla de mhná cabhartha gach bean—
(a) iarrfaidh sa tslí orduithe í chlárú ann, agus
(b) do chríochnuigh na cúrsaí orduithe tréineála, agus
(c) ar eirigh léi sna scrúduithe orduithe, agus
(d) a chuirfidh ina luighe ar an mBord gur bean deaghcharachtair í, agus
(e) a chuirfidh an táille orduithe agus na scríbhní orduithe ar aghaidh i dteanta a hiarratais.
(2) I gcás bean ar bith dá iarraidh ar an mBord í chlárú sa rolla de mhná cabhartha agus—
(a) an bhean san dá chur ina luighe ar an mBord—
(i) go bhfuil sí deimhnithe ag aon údarás rialúcháin bheidh ag feidhmiú dlighinse lasmuich den Stát fé aon achtachán a bheidh i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire agus a dhéanann socrú chun an t-údarás rialúcháin sin do dheimhniú daoine bheidh i dteideal freastal ar mhná seoil, agus
(ii) go ndeacha sí, chun go mbeadh sí i dteideal amhlaidh, fé thréineáil agus scrúdú de chaighdeán nach ísle ná an caighdeán a bheidh ceaptha ag an mBord, agus
(iii) gur bean deagh-charachtair í, agus
(b) gur deimhin leis an mBord go ndéanann an t-údarás rialúcháin sin no go bhfuilid toilteanach mná bheidh cláruithe fén Acht so do dheimhniú ar théarmaí comharaíochta, agus
(c) go gcuirfidh an bhean san an táille orduithe ar aghaidh i dteanta a hiarratais,
cláróidh an Bord an bhean san sa rolla de mhná cabhartha.
(3) D'ainneoin éinní atá sna fo-ailt sin roimhe seo den alt so, ní dhéanfaidh an Bord aon bhean a mheasfaidh an Bord do bheith neamh-oiriúnach toisc cúrsaí cuirp no aigne chun freastal ar mhná seoil do chlárú sa rolla de mhná cabhartha agus, chun crícheanna an fho-ailt seo, féadfaidh an Bord a cheangal ar dhuine bheidh á iarraidh í chlárú sa rolla de mhná cabhartha pé cruthúnas ordóid ar a hoiriúnacht chuirp agus aigne do thabhairt ar áird.
(4) Má eiríonn aon cheist fé na fo-ailt sin roimhe seo den alt so i dtaobh a bheith de cheart ag aon mhnaoi áirithe í chlárú sa rolla de mhná cabhartha, isé an tAire bhéarfaidh breith ar an gceist sin agus ní bheidh dul thar a bhreith-sean uirthi.
Ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha.
25.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord, do réir rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, ainm aon mhná cabhartha do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha.
(2) Féadfar, leis na rialacha déanfar chun crícheanna an ailt seo, a fhoráil go sonnrach go ndéanfar, i gcás ina mbeifear chun ainm aon mhná cabhartha áirithe do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha, imeachta chuige sin do bhunú os cóir an Bhuird, agus go mbeidh caoi ag an gcosantóir, sna himeachta san, ar fhreagra do thabhairt ar éinní cuirfear ina leith.
(3) Ní déanfar ainm mná cabhartha do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha ach amháin i gcás inar deimhin leis an mBord, de thoradh imeachta chun a hainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha,—
(a) go raibh an bhean chabhartha ciontach in iompar is mí-iompar oilbhéimeach no mí-iompar gairmiúil dar leis an mBord, no
(b) go ndearnadh an bhean chabhartha do chiontú sa Stát i dtréas no i bhfeleontacht no i mí-ghníomh no go ndearnadh í do chiontú lasmuich den Stát i gcoir no i gcionta do bheadh ina fheleontacht no ina mhí-ghníomh dá mba sa Stát a déanfaí é, no
(c) gur ciontuíodh i gcionta fén Acht so í, no
(d) gur bhris sí na rialacha bheidh déanta ag an mBord fén Acht so, no
(e) go bhfuil sí neamh-oiriúnach toisc cúrsaí cuirp no aigne chun freastal ar mhná seoil.
(4) Gach uair a dhéanfaidh an Bord ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha fén alt so bhéarfaid fógra ina thaobh do gach údarás maoirseachta áitiúil lena mbainfidh agus don Aire.
(5) Féadfaidh an Bord, má mheasaid san do bheith ceart, na costais agus an caiteachas, féna raghaidh an cosantóir maidir le haon imeachta chun a hainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha, d'íoc i bpáirt no go hiomlán.
(6) Cuirfidh an Bord ar fáil in aisce aon fhuirm a bheidh le líonadh ag an gcosantóir in aon imeachta chun a hainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha, maraon le clúdach cuibhe-stampálta chun an fhuirm sin do chur thar n-ais.
Foláireamh, imdheargadh no fionnraighe o chleachtadh in ionad ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha.
26.—(1) In aon imeachta chun ainm duine do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha, féadfaidh an Bord, in ionad an ainm do bhaint den rolla san, foláireamh do thabhairt don chosantóir no í d'imdheargadh no í d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh go ceann tréimhse sonnruithe nach sia ná dhá mhí dhéag.
(2) Déanfaidh an Bord fógra i dtaobh gach foláireamh, imdheargadh agus fionnraighe fén alt so do thabhairt do gach údarás maoirseachta áitiúil lena mbainfidh agus don Aire.
(3) Má chleachtann aon bhean chabhartha contrárdha d'fhionnraighe fén alt so, beidh sí ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a ciontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar deich bpunt do chur uirthi.
Fianaise in imeachta chun ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha.
27.—(1) In aon imeachta chun ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha—
(a) féadfaidh an Bord fianaise do ghlacadh fé mhionn agus, chuige sin, féadfaidh an comhalta den Bhord a bheidh i gceannas daoine do chur fé mhionn, agus
(b) féadfaidh an Bord dearbhú reachtúil do ghlacadh mar fhianaise.
(2) Má dhéanann an Bord, in imeachta chun ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha, dearbhú reachtúil do ghlacadh mar fhianaise, bhéarfar cóip den dearbhú don chosantóir deich lá ar a laghad roimh an éisteacht agus beidh sí i dteideal a cheangal ar an mBord a thabhairt go dtiocfaidh an dearbhthóir i láthair chun é cheistniú ag an éisteacht.
(3) Féadfaidh an Bord, trí fhógra i scríbhinn chuige sin do thabhairt i bpearsain no leis an bpost do dhuine ar bith, a cheangal ar an duine sin teacht i láthair an lá (nach luaithe ná an seachtú lá tar éis an lae bhéarfar an fógra) agus an tráth agus san áit bheidh luaidhte sa bhfógra chun fianaise do thabhairt maidir le héinní eireoidh in aon imeachta chun ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha no chun aon scríbhní bheidh ar seilbh no ar coimeád no féna urláimh aige, agus a bhainfidh le héinní den tsórt san, do thabhairt ar áird.
(4) Duine bheidh ag tabhairt fianaise in aon imeachta chun ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha beidh teideal aige chun na saoirsí agus na bpríbhléidí chun a mbeadh tideal aige dá mb' fhínné i láthair na hArd-Chúirte é.
(5) Ní gá do dhuine teacht i láthair de bhun fógra fén alt so in áit is sia ná deich míle óna ghnáth-áit chomhnaithe mara ndéana an Bord na costais réasúnacha riachtanacha bheidh air i leith a theacht i láthair d'íoc leis no do thairgsint dó.
(6) Einne thiocfaidh i láthair in áit ar bith de bhun fógra fén alt so déanfaidh an Bord, ach amháin sa mhéid go mbeidh costais réasúnacha riachtanacha a theacht i láthair íoctha leis cheana, na costais sin d'íoc leis agus, mara n-íoctar na costais sin, féadfar, ach amháin sa mhéid adubhradh, iad do bhaint amach mar fhiacha gnáth-chonnartha in aon chúirt dlighinse inniúla.
(7) Gach duine dá dtabharfar fógra fén alt so agus a dhiúltóidh do theacht i láthair, no mhainneoidh go toiliúil teacht i láthair, do réir an fhógra no dhéanfaidh go toiliúil aon scríbhinn lena mbainfidh an fógra d'athrú no do choimeád siar no do cheilt no do mhilleadh no, ar theacht i láthair dó amhlaidh, dhiúltóidh don mhionn do thógaint no d'fhianaise do thabhairt no dhiúltóidh d'aon scríbhinn áirithe lena mbainfidh an fógra do thabhairt ar áird no fhailleoidh go toiliúil san do dhéanamh, beidh sé, fé réir forálacha fo-ailt (5) den alt so, ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil ná raghaidh thar cúig puint do chur air.
Athchomhairc i gcoinnibh breitheanna ón mBord.
28.—(1) Má déantar, le breith an Bhuird in aon imeachta chun ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha, ainm an chosantóra do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha no an cosantóir d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh, féadfaidh an cosantóir athchomharc do dhéanamh chun na hArd-Chúirte no chun an Aire (ach ní chuca araon) i gcoinnibh breithe an Bhuird fé cheann trí mhí tar éis an dáta ar a gcuirfear an bhreith sin in iúl di.
(2) Ní bheidh dul thar an mbreith do bhéarfaidh an Ard-Chúirt no an tAire (fé mar bheidh) ar athchomharc fén alt so.
(3) Má eiríonn le hathchomharc fén alt so—
(a) i gcás athchomhairc chun na hArd-Chúirte, féadfaidh an chúirt costais do mholadh i gcoinnibh an Bhuird, agus
(b) bhéarfaidh an Bord fógra i dtaobh toradh an athchomhairc do gach údarás maoirseachta áitiúil lena mbainfidh agus (más chun na hArd-Chúirte do rinneadh an t-athchomharc) don Aire, agus
(c) i gcás gur bhreith trínar baineadh ainm den rolla de mhná cabhartha an bhreith a ndearnadh athchomharc ina coinnibh, cuirfear an ainm thar n-ais sa rolla de mhná cabhartha, agus
(d) i gcás gur bhreith trínar baineadh ainm den rolla de mhná cabhartha no trína ndearnadh bean chabhartha d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh an bhreith a ndearnadh athchomharc ina coinnibh, féadfaidh an Bord, más oiriúnach leo é, pé suim d'íoc leis an athchomharcach a mheasfaid do bheith ina cúiteamh réasúnach in aon chailliúint chleachta do bhain di idir dáta na breithe ón mBord agus dáta cinnte an athchomhairc no, i gcás ina ndearna an Bord an t-athchomharcach d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh ar bhunú na n-imeacht i láthair an Bhuird, idir dáta bunuithe na n-imeacht agus dáta cinnte an athchomhairc.
Ainm do chur thar n-ais sa rolla de mhná cabhartha.
29.—Féadfaidh an Bord, ach san do réir rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, ar an iarratasóir d'íoc na táille orduithe (más ann), ainm aon mhná ar baineadh a hainm den rolla de mhná cabhartha do chur thar n-ais sa rolla san ar aon chúis a mheasfaid is leor.
Fostaíocht i dtigh máithreachais.
30.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord, ar ainm aon mhná cabhartha do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha, a ordú gan í bheith i bhfostaíocht i bhfeidhmeannas ar bith i dtigh máithreachais.
(2) Bean lena mbainfidh ordú fén alt so ní cead, faid a bheidh a hainm bainte den rolla de mhná cabhartha, í bheith i bhfostaíocht i bhfeidhmeannas ar bith i dtigh máithreachais.
(3) Bean a bheidh i bhfostaíocht contrárdha d'fho-alt (2) den alt so beidh sí ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a ciontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil nach mó ná deich bpunt do chur uirthi.
Deimhnithe ban cabhartha.
31.—(1) Bhéarfaidh an Bord deimhniú amach do gach bean a thiocfaidh chun bheith ina mnaoi chabhartha agus do gach bean a gcuirfear a hainm thar n-ais sa rolla de mhná cabhartha á dheimhniú í bheith cláruithe sa rolla de mhná cabhartha.
(2) Má chuireann bean chabhartha ina luighe ar an mBord gur díthíodh a deimhniú mná cabhartha féadfaidh an Bord, ar iarratas na mná cabhartha san, deimhniú nua do thabhairt amach di á dheimhniú í bheith cláruithe sa rolla de mhná cabhartha.
(3) Má dhéanann an Bord ainm aon mhná cabhartha áirithe do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha, déanfa sí, fé cheann cheithre lá déag tar éis breith an Bhuird do chur in iúl di, a deimhniú mná cabhartha do chur thar n-ais chun an Bhuird chun a chealuithe, agus, mara ndéana amhlaidh, beidh sí ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a ciontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil nach mó ná cúig puint do chur uirthi.
(4) I gcás bean chabhartha d'fháil bháis, déanfaidh an duine a mbeidh a deimhniú mná cabhartha ina choimeád an deimhniú do chur thar n-ais go dtí an Bord fé cheann cheithre lá déag tar éis a báis chun a chealuithe, agus, mara ndéana an duine sin amhlaidh, beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil nach mó ná cúig puint do chur air.
(5) Beidh sé ina chosaint mhaith i gcúiseamh i gcionta fén alt so má cuirtear ina luighe ar an gcúirt go raibh cúis réasúnach leis an gcosantóir do thabhairt faillighe i ndéanamh do réir an cheanglais lena mbainfidh an cúiseamh.
Fionnraighe o chleachtadh go dtí go dtabharfar breith in imeachta chun ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha.
32.—(1) I gcás aon imeachta do bhunú chun ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha, féadfaidh an Bord, ach san do réir rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, an cosantóir d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh go dtí go dtabharfar breith an Bhuird sna himeachta san.
(2) Bhéarfaidh an Bord fógra i dtaobh gach fionnraighe o chleachtadh fén alt so do gach údarás maoirseachta áitiúil lena mbainfidh agus don Aire.
(3) Má dhéanann an Bord aon imeachta chun ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha do chaitheamh amach agus go ndearna an Bord an cosantóir d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh fén alt so go dtí go dtabharfadh an Bord a mbreith, féadfaidh an Bord, más oiriúnach leo é, cúiteamh réasúnach d'íoc leis an gcosantóir in aon chailliúint chleachta do bhain di feadh na fionnraighe.
(4) Má chleachtann aon bhean chabhartha contrárdha d'fhionnraighe fén alt so beidh sí ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a ciontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil nach mó ná deich bpunt do chur uirthi.
Údarás maoirseachta áitiúil d'fhiosrú gearán.
33.—Déanfaidh údarás maoirseachta áitiúil fiosrú mar gheall ar gach gearán a déanfar leo i dtaobh bean chabhartha bheidh ag cleachtadh ina gceanntar do shárú rialacha an Bhuird no dá mí-iompar féin ar shlí eile agus más dóich leo, de thoradh an fhiosruithe sin, cúis prima facie do bheith ann i gcoinnibh na mná cabhartha, tuairisceoid don Bhord dá réir sin.
Fionnraighe o chleachtadh de thoradh gearán do thuairisciú don Bhord.
34.—(1) Má déantar tuairisciú fén alt deiridh sin roimhe seo maidir le haon bhean chabhartha, féadfaidh an t-údarás maoirseachta áitiúil lena mbainfidh an bhean chabhartha d'fhionnraighe, do réir rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, go dtí go mbunófar imeachta chun a hainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha no go gcinnfear ar gan imeachta den tsórt san do bhunú.
(2) Bhéarfar fógra i dtaobh gach fionnraighe o chleachtadh fén alt so don Bhord agus don Aire.
(3) Má chríochnuíonn aon imeachta chun ainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha i bhfábhar na mná cabhartha agus go ndearnadh an bhean chabhartha d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh fén alt so roimh na himeachta san do bhunú no má cinneadh, i gcás ina ndearnadh bean chabhartha d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh fén alt so, ar gan imeachta do bhunú chun a hainm do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha, féadfaidh an t-údarás maoirseachta áitiúil, más oiriúnach leo é, cúiteamh réasúnach d'íoc leis-an mnaoi chabhartha in aon chailliúint chleachta do bhain di feadh na fionnraighe.
(4) Má chleachtann aon bhean chabhartha contrárdha d'fhionnraighe fén alt so, beidh sí ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a ciontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil nach mó ná deich bpunt do chur uirthi.
Fionnraighe o chleachtadh chun galrú do chosc an leathadh.
35.—(1) Déanfaidh údarás maoirseachta áitiúil, ach san do réir rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, aon bhean chabhartha bheidh ag cleachtadh ina gceanntar d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh pé uair is dóich leo gur gá san do dhéanamh chun galrú do chosc ar leathadh.
(2) Má dhéanann údarás maoirseachta áitiúil bean chabhartha d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh fén alt so, féadfaidh an t-údarás maoirseachta áitiúil sin, más oiriúnach leo é, cúiteamh réasúnach ina cailliúint chleachta d'íoc léi.
(3) Má chleachtann aon bhean chabhartha contrárdha d'fhionnraighe fén alt so, beidh sí ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a ciontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil nach mó ná deich bpunt do chur uirthi.
Fionnraighe o chleachtadh do thoradh imeachta i leith cionta.
36.—(1) Féadfaidh údarás maoirseachta áitiúil, ach san do réir rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, aon bhean chabhartha bheidh ag cleachtadh ina gceanntar agus a mbeidh imeachta sa Chúirt Dúithche i leith aon chionta fén Acht so bunuithe ina coinnibh d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh go dtí go dtabharfar an bhreith dheiridh ar na himeachta san.
(2) Má dhéanann údarás maoirseahta áitiúil bean chabhartha d'fhionnraighe o chleachtadh fén alt so agus go gcríochnóidh na himeachta ar ina dtaobh a fionnruíodh í ina fábhar, féadfaidh an t-údarás maoirseachta áitiúil sin, más oiriúnach leo é, cúiteamh réasúnach ina cailliúint chleachta d'íoc leis an mnaoi chabhartha san.
(3) Má chleachtann aon bhean chabhartha contrárdha d'fhionnraighe fén alt so, beidh sí ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a ciontú ann ar an slí achmair féadfar fíneáil nach mó ná deich bpunt do chur uirthi.
Údarás maoirseachta áitiúil do dhéanamh maoirseachta generálta.
37.—Déanfaidh údarás maoirseachta áitiúil, ach san do réir rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, maoirseacht ghenerálta ar na mná cabhartha bheidh ag cleachtadh ina gceanntar.
Rialacha i gcóir cúrsaí oiliúna agus scrúduithe do dhaoine bheidh ag iarraidh a gcláruithe sa rolla de mhná cabhartha.
38.—Féadfaidh an Bord, le rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, socrú do dhéanamh i gcóir na gcúrsaí oiliúna agus na scrúduithe dhéanfaidh daoine bheidh ag iarraidh a gcláruithe sa rolla de mhná cabhartha agus féadfaidh na rialacha san, go sonnrach, socrú do dhéanamh—
(a) i dtaobh an Bord do choimeád cláir de na hiarrthóirí agus i dtaobh na gcoinníoll ar féna réir a clárófar daoi chlár san, agus
(b) chun go gceadóidh an Bord, chun crícheanna na rialacha san, léachtaithe agus múinteoirí agus fós forais ina bhféadfar na cúrsaí oiliúna do dhéanamh, agus
(c) i dtaobh na gcoinníoll chun dul isteach ar na scrúduithe, agus
(d) i dtaobh deimhnithe do dheonadh do dhaoine dhéanfaidh na cúrsaí oiliúna agus a n-eireoidh leo sna scrúduithe.
Rialacha i gcóir cúrsaí oiliúna agus scrúduithe do mhná cabhartha.
39.—Féadfaidh an Bord, le rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, socrú do dhéanamh i dtaobh cúrsaí oiliúna agus scrúduithe do mhná cabhartha agus i dtaobh deimhnithe no diplómaí do dheonadh do mhná cabhartha dhéanfaidh na cúrsaí sin agus a n-eireoidh leo sna scrúduithe sin, agus féadfaidh na rialacha san, go sonnrach, socrú do dhéanamh—
(a) chun go gceadóidh an Bord, chun crícheanna na rialacha san, léachtaithe agus múinteoirí agus fós forais ina bhféadfar na cúrsaí oiliúna do dhéanamh, agus
(b) i dtaobh na gcoinníoll chun dul isteach ar na scrúduithe.
Scrúduithe do chur ar siúl, etc.
40.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord na scrúduithe a ndéanfar socrú ina dtaobh le rialacha déanfar fén Acht so do chur ar siúl agus féadfaid, leis na rialacha san, modh stiúrtha na scrúduithe sin do rialáil.
(2) Isé an Bord a cheapfaidh na scrúdóirí (agus ní bheidh éinne aca ina chomhalta den Bhord) i ngach scrúdú cuirfear ar siúl fén alt so, agus beidh ag na scrúdóirí sin pé cáilíochta agus pé taithighe i mbean-chabharthacht a mheasfaidh an Bord is ceart, agus bhéarfar luach saothair dóibh do réir scála cheapfaidh an Bord le ceadú an Aire.
(3) Íocfaidh duine bheidh ag dul isteach ar scrúdú cuirfear ar siúl fén alt so an táille orduithe (ná beidh níos mó ná giní) leis an mBord i leith an scrúduithe sin.
Teideal do mhná cabhartha.
41.—Féadfaidh bean chabhartha an teideal “Bean Chabhartha Stát-Deimhnithe” do chur lena hainm.
Srianta maidir leis an teideal “bean chabhartha”.
42.—(1) Ní dleathach d'éinne nach bean a bheidh cláruithe sa rolla de mhná chabhartha an ainm ná an teideal “bean chabhartha” do ghlacadh ná d'úsáid, pé aca go haonaránach no i dteannta focail no focal ar bith eile é, ná aon ainm, teideal, adú, ná tuairisc do ghlacadh ná d'úsáid do bhéarfadh le tuigsint an duine sin do bheith cláruithe sa chlár de mhná cabhartha no, lasmuich de chás dochtúra leighis chláruithe, do bhéarfadh le tuigsint an duine sin do bheith cáilithe no aitheanta go speisialta do réir dlí mar chleachtóir bean-chabharthachta.
(2) Duine ar bith a dhéanfaidh éinní contrárdha don alt so beidh sé ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil nach mó ná deich bpunt do chur air.
Rialú, etc., ar mhná cabhartha do chleachtadh beanchabharthachta.
43.—Déanfaidh an Bord, le rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, rialáil agus maoirsiú, agus srianadh laistigh de theoranta cuibhe, ar mhná cabhartha do chleachtadh bean-chabharthachta agus ar iompar ban cabhartha.
Suaitheantais bhan cabhartha.
44.—(1) Déanfaidh an Bord socrú, le rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, chun go dtabharfaidh an Bord amach do mhná cabhartha suaitheantais a thaisbeánfaidh gur mná cabhartha na daoine bheidh á gcaitheamh.
(2) Rialacha déanfar chun crícheanna an ailt seo féadfaid, go sonnrach, socrú do dhéanamh i dtaobh na nithe seo leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) patrún suaitheantas ban cabhartha;
(b) an táille híocfar leis an mBord ar shuaitheantas mná cabhartha do thabhairt amach; agus
(c) na cásanna ina bhféadfar suaitheantas nua mná cabhartha do thabhairt amach in ionad suaitheantais mhná cabhartha caillfear no díobhálfar no dítheofar.
(3) Aon uair a bheidh rialacha chun crícheanna an ailt seo i bhfeidhm de thurus na huaire, beidh éifeacht ag na forálacha so leanas, sé sin le rá:—
(a) ní dleathach d'éinne seachas an bhean chabhartha dá dtabharfar suaitheantas mná cabhartha amach an suaitheantas san do chaitheamh;
(b) ní dleathach d'éinne dá dtabharfar suaitheantas mná cabhartha amach an suaitheantas do thabhairt ar iasacht d'éinne eile, ná a cheadú d'éinne eile an suaitheantas do chaitheamh;
(c) ní dleathach d'éinne aithris dheallrathach ar shuaitheantas mná cabhartha do chaitheamh;
(d) i gcás ainm mná cabhartha ar bith dá dtabharfar suaitheantas mná cabhartha amach do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha, déanfa sí laistigh de cheithre lá déag ón am a cuirfear in iúl di a hainm do bheith bainte den rolla san an suaitheantas do thabhairt suas don Bhord;
(e) i gcás ainm mná ar bith a bhéarfaidh suas a suaitheantas mná cabhartha fé mhír (d) den fho-alt so do chur thar n-ais sa rolla de mhná cabhartha, bhéarfaidh an Bord an suaitheantas thar n-ais di; agus
(f) i gcás bean chabhartha dá dtabharfar suaitheantas mná cabhartha amach d'fháil bháis, déanfaidh an duine a mbeidh an suaitheantas ina choimeád é thabhairt thar n-ais don Bhord fé cheann cheithre lá déag tar éis an bháis.
(4) Má dhéanann duine ar bith éinní (le gníomh no le faillighe) contrárdha d'aon cheann d'fhorálacha an fho-ailt deiridh sin roimhe seo den alt so, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil nach mó ná cúig puint do chur air.
(5) Beidh sé ina chosaint mhaith i gcúiseamh i gcionta is sárú ar mhír (d) no ar mhír (f) d'fho-alt (3) den alt so má cuirtear ina luighe ar an gcúirt go raibh cúis réasúnach leis an gcosantóir do thabhairt faillighe i ndéanamh do réir an cheanglais lena mbainfidh an cúiseamh.
Fógraí bheidh le tabhairt ag mná cabhartha d'údarás maoirseachta áitiúil.
45.—(1) I gcás bean chabhartha ar bith do bheith ar intinn tosnú ar chleachtadh i gceanntar aon údaráis mhaoirseachta áitiúil, bhéarfa sí fógra don údarás mhaoirseachta áitiúil sin i dtaobh í bheith ar an intinn sin agus i dtaobh a háite comhnaithe.
(2) I gcás bean chabhartha ar bith do bhí ag cleachtadh i gceanntar údaráis mhaoirseachta áitiúil i rith bliana ar bith do bheith ar intinn leanúint de chleachtadh sa cheanntar san i rith na bliana ina dhiaidh sin, bhéarfa sí fógra, i rith mí Eanair na bliana san is déanaighe luaidhtear, don údarás mhaoirseachta áitiúil sin i dtaobh í bheith ar an intinn sin.
(3) I gcás bean chabhartha ar bith do fhreastal ar aon mhnaoi sheoil i gceanntar údaráis mhaoirseachta áitiúil ná cleachtann sí ann de ghnáth, bhéarfa sí fógra láithreach i dtaobh an fhreastail don údarás mhaoirseachta áitiúil sin no, mara mbeidh ar a cumas an fógra san do thabhairt láithreach, bhéarfa sí é tráth nach déanaighe ná ocht n-uaire is dachad a’ chluig tar éis an fhreastail.
(4) I gcás bean chabhartha bheidh ag cleachtadh d'athrú a hainme no a seolta, bhéarfa sí fógra i dtaobh an athruithe sin do gach údarás maoirseachta áitiúil a mbeidh sí ag cleachtadh ina gceanntar.
(5) I dteannta na bhfógraí luaidhtear sna fo-ailt sin roimhe seo den alt so, bhéarfaidh bean chabhartha aon fhógraí eile luadhfar i rialacha déanfar fén Acht so don údarás mhaoirseachta áitiúil do gach ceanntar ina mbeidh sí ag cleachtadh.
(6) Gach fógra fén alt so is amhlaidh a bhéarfar é do réir rialacha agus sa bhfuirm a luadhfar i rialacha déanfar fén Acht so agus, má theipeann ar mhnaoi chabhartha ar bith aon fhógra den tsórt san do thabhairt mar adubhradh, beidh sí ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a ciontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil nach mó ná cúig puint do chur uirthi.
Congnamh liaghachta i gcás cionntapachta.
46.—(1) I gcás bean chabhartha do fhreastal ar mhnaoi sheoil agus go dtárlóidh aon chionntapacht dá luadhfar i rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, glaodhfa sí dochtúir leighis cláruithe do chongnamh léi do réir na rialacha san.
(2) I gcás bean chabhartha do ghlaoch dochtúra leighis chláruithe do chongnamh léi fén alt so tuairisceoidh sí láithreach saghas na cionntapachta agus ainm an dochtúra don údarás mhaoirseachta áitiúil don cheanntar inar fhreastail an dochtúir.
(3) I gcás dochtúir leighis cláruithe do fhreastal in aon chionntapacht de bharr bean chabhartha dá ghlaoch fén alt so, féadfaidh an dochtúir saghas na cionntapachta do thuairisciú don údarás mhaoirseachta áitiúil don cheanntar inar fhreastail sé agus air sin íocfaidh an t-údarás maoirseachta áitiúil sin an táille chuibhe leis an dochtúir.
(4) I gcás dochtúir leighis cláruithe, do fhreastail in aon chionntapacht de bharr bean chabhartha dá ghlaoch fén alt so, do bheith ina dhochtúir oifigiúil do cheanntar íclainne agus an t-othar do bheith ina duine bheidh i dteideal conganta liaghachta fén Acht um Chongnamh Phuiblí, 1939 (Uimh. 27 de 1939), agus do bheith ina comhnaidhe i gceanntar an dochtúra oifigiúil sin, ansan, d'ainneoin éinní atá i bhfo-alt (3) den alt so, ní bheidh aon táille iníoctha fén bhfo-alt san.
(5) Má eiríonn aon amhras no aighneas no ceist, chun crícheanna fo-ailt (4) den alt so, i dtaobh duine do bheith ina dhuine bheidh i dteideal conganta liaghachta fén Acht um Chongnamh Phuiblí, 1939, no gan a bheith bhéarfaidh an t-údarás conganta phuiblí iomchuibhe breith ar an amhras no ar an aighneas no ar an gceist sin, agus ní bheidh dul thar an mbreith sin.
(6) I gcás údarás maoirseachta áitiúil d'íoc táille fén alt so ar fhreastal dochtúra leighis chláruithe, déanfaidh an fear céile no duine eile bheidh freagarthach san othar, maran duine atá i dteideal conganta phuiblí fén Acht um Chongnamh Phuiblí, 1939, an t-othar, méid na táille sin d'íoc leis an údarás maoirseachta áitiúil, agus beidh méid na táille sin, cheal a híoctha, ionbhainte amach mar fhiacha gnáth-chonnartha in aon chúirt dlighinse inniúla.
(7) Féadfaidh an tAire, le rialacháin, na táillí bheidh le n-íoc fén alt so le dochtúirí leighis cláruithe do shonnrú agus féadfaidh, leis na rialacháin sin, coinníollacha do shonnrú maidir le híoc na dtáillí sin.
(8) Ní léireofar éinní i bhfo-alt (1) den alt so ná in aon rialacha déanfar chun crícheanna an fho-ailt sin mar ní choisceann an tAire ar a cheangal ar mhnaoi chabhartha cheanntair íclainne, nuair a bheidh sí ag glaoch dochtúra leighis chláruithe do chongnamh léi fén alt so, dochtúir oifigiúil an cheanntair do ghlaoch, má bhíonn sé ar fáil.
(9) San alt so—
cialluíonn an abairt “ceanntar íclainne” ceanntar íclainne chun crícheanna an Achta um Chongnamh Phuiblí, 1939;
cialluíonn an abairt “an táille chuibhe” pé táille (más ann) is cuibhe, sa chás áirithe bheidh i gceist, do réir na rialachán a déanfar fé fho-alt (7) den alt so.
Mná cabhartha do fhreastal cúrsaí teagaisc.
47.—(1) Féadfaidh an Bord, le rialacha déanfar fén Acht so, a cheangal ar mhná cabhartha freastal o am go ham ar pé cúrsaí teagaisc a cheadóidh an Bord no chuirfid ar fáil no shocróid.
(2) Forálfar le rialacha chun crícheanna an ailt seo ná ceanglófar ar mhnaoi chabhartha bheidh ar fostú ag údarás áitiúil freastal ar aon chúrsa teagaisc lena mbainfidh na rialacha ach amháin do réir na socruithe dhéanfaidh an t-údarás áitiúil de bhun fo-ailt (3) den alt so.
(3) Údarás áitiúil agá mbeidh bean chabhartha ar fostú déanfaid, do réir pé orduithe bhéarfaidh an tAire o am go ham,—
(a) cead bheith as láthair do thabhairt don mhnaoi chabhartha chun freastal ar aon chúrsa teagaisc lena mbainfidh rialacha chun crícheanna an ailt seo, agus
(b) ionadaidhe don mhnaoi chabhartha d'íoc i rith tréimhse an fhreastail, agus
(c) costais taistil i leith an fhreastail (agus liúntas cothuithe i rith tréimhse an fhreastail d'áireamh) d'íoc leis an mnaoi chabhartha do réir na rialachán iomchuibhe fé fho-alt (1) d'alt 19 den Acht Rialtais Áitiúil, 1941 (Uimh. 23 de 1941), agus do réir aon údaruithe iomchuibhe fé fho-alt (3) den alt san amhail is dá mba chuid de dhualgais oifigiúla na mná cabhartha an freastal.
CUID IV.
Srianta maidir le Freastal ar Mhna Seoil.
Srianta maidir le freastal ar mhná seoil.
48.—(1) Ní dleathach do dhuine ar bith freastal ar mhnaoi sheoil—
(a) maran bean chabhartha an duine sin, no
(b) maran dochtúir leighis cuibhe-cháilithe an duine sin, no
(c) maran duine an duine sin a bheidh á oiliúint chun bheith ina dhochtúir leighis cuibhe-cháilithe no ina mnaoi chabhartha agus go ndéanfaidh an freastal san mar chuid de chúrsa teagaisc phraiticiúil i mbean-chabharthacht a bheidh admhuithe ag Comhairle Chlárathachta na nDochtúirí Leighis no ag an mBord, no
(d) marab amhlaidh a déanfar an freastal san, ar shlí seachas ar luach saothair, i gcás riachtanais obainn no phráinnigh agus gan bean chabhartha ná dochtúir leighis cuibhe-cháilithe do bheith ar fáil láithreach.
(2) Má dhéanann duine ar bith éinní contrárdha don alt so, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil nach mó ná fiche punt do chur air.
CUID V.
Ilghneitheach.
Rann-íoc o údarás máoirseachta áitiúil mar chabhair chun costas oiliúna ban cabhartha d'íoc.
49.—Féadfaidh údarás maoirseachta áitiúil, sa tslí agus sa mhéid a cheadóidh an tAire, rann-íoc do dhéanamh mar chabhair chun costas oiliúna iarrthóirí ar dheimhnithe ban cabhartha d'íoc, pé aca ina gceanntar féin no in áit eile a déanfar an oiliúint sin.
Tuarascbháil bhliantúil o dhoctúir oifigiúil údaráis mhaoirseachta áitiúil.
50.—Déanfaidh dochtúir oifigiúil údaráis mhaoirseachta áitiúil, roimh an 1adh lá d'Abrán i ngach bliain, tuarascbháil d'ullmhú ar riaradh an Achta so i gceanntar an údaráis sin i rith na bliana roimhe sin agus cuirfidh cóipeanna den tuarascbháil sin go dtí an Bord agus go dtí an tAire.
Bás mná cabhartha, etc., do thuairisciú don Bhord.
51.—(1) Tuairisceoidh údarás maoirseachta áitiúil don Bhord—
(a) bás mná cabhartha ar bith a bheidh ag cleachtadh i gceanntar an údaráis mhaoirseachta áitiúil sin;
(b) gach athrú ar ainm no ar sheoladh mná cabhartha bheidh ag cleachtadh amhlaidh; agus
(c) gach ciontú i gcionta fén Acht so déanfar ar mhnaoi chabhartha bheidh ag cleachtadh amhlaidh.
(2) Cuirfidh údarás maoirseachta áitiúil go dtí an Bord, i mí Feabhra i ngach bliain, ráiteas ina mbeidh ainm agus seoladh gach mná cabhartha a mbeidh fógra fé fho-alt (1) no fé fho-alt (2) d'alt 45 den Acht so tugtha aici i rith mí Eanair na bliana san don údarás san.
Údarás maoirseachta áitiúil do sholáthar fuirmeacha.
52.—Lasmuich de chás dá bhforáltar a mhalairt leis an Acht so, déanfaidh an t-údarás maoirseachta áitiúil lena mbainfidh gach fuirm a bheidh le húsáid ag mnaoi chabhartha do sholáthar di in aisce, maraon le clúdach cuibhe-stampálta i gcás an fhuirm do bheith le cur thar n-ais leis an bpost.
Cruthúnas i dtaobh bean do bheith ina mnaoi chabhartha no gan a bheith.
53.—Deimhniú bhéarfaidh le tuigsint é bheith sighnithe ag rúnaí an Bhuird no ag duine ar bith eile go n-údarás ón mBord chun sighniú thar a cheann á dheimhniú aon bhean áirithe do bheith ina mnaoi chabhartha ar dháta áirithe no gan a bheith glacfar leis i ngach cúirt gan a thuille cruthúnais mar fhianaise prima facie ar na nithe bheidh deimhnithe ann.
Comhachta d'oifigigh d'údaráis mhaoirseachta áitiúla chun dul isteach agus fiosrú do dhéanamh.
54.—Féadfaidh aon oifigeach d'údarás mhaoirseachta áitiúil, a bheidh údaruithe ag an údarás san chun na comhachta do bheirtear leis an alt so d'fheidhmiú, dul isteach gach tráth réasúnta in aon tigh máithreachais a bheidh suidhte i gceanntar an údaráis sin agus féadfaidh na fiosruithe sin uile do dhéanamh ann a mheasfaidh is ceart chun na gcrícheanna bhainfidh le foirfheidhmiú an Achta so agus má choisceann éinne go toiliúil aon oifigeach den tsórt san ar dhul isteach amhlaidh no má dhiúltuíonn go toiliúil d'aon fhiosrú den tsórt san do fhreagairt feadh a chumais, beidh an duine sin ciontach i gcionta fén alt so agus ar a chiontú ann ar an slí achmair dlighfear fíneáil nach mó ná cúig puint do chur air.
Comhacht. d'údarás mhaoirseachta áitiúil chun gníomhú trína ndochtúir oifigiúil.
55.—I gcás aon chomhachta bronntar no aon dualgais a forchuirtear ar údarás maoirseachta áitiúil leis an Acht so féadfar, ach amháin maidir le haon údarás do thabhairt fén alt deiridh sin roimhe seo no le haon airgead d'íoc, an chomhacht d'fheidhmiú no an dualgas do chólíonadh ag an údarás maoirseachta áitiúil sin no, fé réir treoracha uatha, ag á ndochtúir oifigiúil.
Costais údaráis mhaoirseachta áitiúil is comhairle chontae.
56.—Na costais féna raghfar fén Acht so ag údarás maoirseachta áitiúil is comhairle chontae cruinneofar iad go cothrom tríd an ráta dealbhais ar an gcontae ar fad.
Costais an Aire.
57.—Na costais féna raghaidh an tAire chun an tAcht so do riaradh íocfar iad, a mhéid a cheadóidh an tAire Airgeadais, as airgead a sholáthróidh an tOireachtas.
CUID VI.
Foralacha Diombuana.
Maoin, etc., an tsean-Bhuird.
58.—(1) Gach maoin, réalta no pearsanta (agus rudaí-arfionnraighe d'áireamh) a bheidh, díreach roimh an lá ceaptha, dílsithe sa tsean-Bhord no i gcomhaltaí an tsean-Bhuird sa cháil sin dóibh no dá gcuid féin ag aon taobh aca no i seilbh ar iontaoibh d'aon taobh aca agus gach ceart, comhacht agus príbhléid a bhainfidh no ghabhfaidh le haon mhaoin den tsórt san, tiocfaid chun bheith agus beid, an lá ceaptha agus gan leithliú ná sannadh ar bith, dílsithe sa Bhord no dá gcuid féin aca no i seilbh ar iontaoibh dóibh chun an estáit, an téarma, no an leasa uile chun a mbeidh an céanna, díreach roimh an lá ceaptha, dílsithe sa tsean-Bhord no i gcomhaltaí an tsean-Bhuird sa cháil sin dóibh no dá gcuid féin ag aon taobh aca no i seilbh ar iontaoibh d'aon taobh aca.
(2) Na fiacha agus na fiachais eile go léir (agus fiachais neashocruithe do tháinig as torta no as sáruithe connartha d'áireamh) a bheidh, díreach roimh an lá ceaptha, dlite ar an sean-Bhord no ar chomhaltaí an tsean-Bhuird sa cháil sin dóibh agus gan íoc ag aon taobh aca no curtha suas agus gan glanadh ag aon taobh aca tiocfaid chun bheith agus beid, an lá ceaptha, ina bhfiacha no ina bhfiachais ar an mBord agus íocfaidh no glanfaidh an Bord iad agus féadfar iad do bhaint díobh no d'fhoirfheidhmiú ina gcoinnibh.
(3) Gach rud-ar-fionnraighe a haistrítear leis an alt so, féadfaidh an Bord dul chun dlí mar gheall air no é do bhaint amach no é d'fhoirfheidhmiú ina n-ainm féin agus ní gá don Bhord fógra i dtaobh an aistrithe déantar leis an alt so do thabhairt don duine ar a mbeidh an rud-ar-fionnraighe sin ina cheangal.
Imeachta ag an sean-Bhord no ina gcoinnibh.
59.—Aon imeachta bunuíodh ag an sean-Bhord no ag comhaltaí an tsean-Bhuird sa cháil sin dóibh no i gcoinnibh aon taobh aca agus a bheidh ar feitheamh díreach roimh an lá ceaptha, féadfar leanúint díobh ag an mBord no ina gcoinnibh agus in ainm an Bhuird agus, go sonnrach, aon imeachta chun ainm mná ar bith do bhaint den tsean-rolla bheidh ar feitheamh díreach roimh an lá ceaptha beid feasta ina n-imeachta agus leanfar díobh mar imeachta fén Acht so chun ainm na mná san do bhaint den rolla de mhná cabhartha.
Oifigigh an tsean-Bhuird.
60.—Gach duine bheidh díreach roimh an lá ceaptha ina oifigeach páigh don tsean-Bhord aistreofar go dtí an Bord é agus tiocfa sé chun bheith ina oifigeach don Bhord an lá ceaptha.
Mná bheidh cláruithe sa tsean-rolla.
61.—(1) Na cláruithe bheidh sa tsean-rolla díreach roimh an lá ceaptha, tiocfaid chun bheith, an lá ceaptha, ina gcéad-chláruithe sa rolla de mhná cabhartha.
(2) An deimhniú agus an suaitheantas a bheidh tugtha amach ag an sean-Bhord do mhnaoi bheidh, díreach roimh an lá ceaptha, cláruithe sa tsean-rolla, is tuigthe chun gach críche gur deimhniú mná cabhartha agus suaitheantas mná cabhartha iad an lá ceaptha agus dá éis.
Faoiseamh do mhná ar baineadh a n-ainmneacha den tsean-rolla.
62.—I gcás an Bord dá mheas gur chóir an ceart chun freastal ar mhná seoil do thabhairt thar n-ais do mhnaoi ar bith a mbeidh, díreach roimh an lá ceaptha, a hainm bainte den tsean-rolla, féadfaidh an Bord í do chlárú sa rolla de mhná cabhartha agus beidh éifeacht maidir leis an gclárú san ag an méid sin den Acht so agus de na rialacha déanfar fén Acht so bhainfidh le hainm do chur thar n-ais sa rolla de mhná cabhartha.
Rialacha an tsean-Bhuird do leanúint in éifeacht.
63.—Go dtí go ndéanfaidh an Bord rialacha fén Acht so i dtaobh éinní áirithe, beidh ag na rialacha do rinne an sean-Bhord éifeacht i dtaobh an ní sin fé réir modhnuithe ar bith is gá, fé is dá ndéanadh an Bord go cuibhe fén Acht so iad.
Tuarascbháil ar imeachta an tsean-Bhuird.
64.—Chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis an lae cheaptha, cuirfidh an Bord go dtí an tAire tuarascbhbáil ar imeachta an tsean-Bhuird i rith na bliana 1944 agus beidh sa tuarascbháil pé sonnraí ordóidh an tAire.
Ráiteas ar fháltas agus caiteachas an tsean-Bhuird, etc.
65.—(1) Chó luath agus is féidir é tar éis an lae cheaptha foillseoidh an Bord ráiteas ar fháltas agus caiteachas, maraon le fiachas, an tsean-Bhuird i rith na bliana 1944 agus ní foláir an ráiteas do bheith deimhnithe do bheith ceart ag iniúchóir rialtais áitiúil a cheapfaidh an tAire chuige sin.
(2) Má thaisbeánann an ráiteas a fhoillseoidh an Bord fén alt so iarmhéid i gcoinnibh an tsean-Bhuird, beidh feidhm ag alt 22 den Acht so (a bhaineann le híocaíochta o údaráis mhaoirseachta áitiúla leis an mBord) maidir leis an iarmhéid sin amhail is dá mba iarmhéid den tsórt a luaidhtear san alt san é.
(3) Cuirfidh an Bord chun an Aire cóip den ráiteas a foillseofar fén alt so.
(4) Cinnfidh an tAire cadé an táille bheidh le n-íoc ag an mBord maidir leis an ráiteas a foillseofar fén alt so do dheimhniú ag iniúchóir rialtais áitiúil de bhun an ailt seo agus íocfaidh an Bord leis an Aire an táille cinnfear amhlaidh agus air sin déanfaidh an tAire í d'íoc isteach sa Stát-Chiste no do chur chun tairbhe don Stát-Chiste i pé slí ordóidh an tAire Airgeadais.
AN SCEIDEAL.
Achtachain a hAthghairmtear.
Siosón agus Caibidil no Uimhir agus Bliain | Gearr-theideal | Méid na hAthghairme | |
7 & 8 Geo. 5, c. 59 | ... | Midwives (Ireland) Act, 1918. | An tAcht ar fad sa mhéid ná fuil sé athghairmthe. |
... | An tAcht iomlán | ||
Number 10 of 1944.
MIDWIVES ACT, 1944.
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS
Preliminary and General.
Section | |
The Central Midwives Board.
Midwives.
Restrictions in Relation to Attending Women in Childbirth.
Miscellaneous.
Transitory Provisions.
Enactments Repealed.
Acts Referred to | |
No. 23 of 1941 | |
No. 14 of 1934 | |
No. 27 of 1939 | |
Number 10 of 1944.
MIDWIVES ACT, 1944.
PART I.
Preliminary and General.
Short title and commencement.
1.—(1) This Act may be cited as the Midwives Act, 1944.
(2) This Act shall come into operation on the 1st day of January, 1945.
Definitions.
2.—In this Act—
the expression “the appointed day” means the day on which this Act comes into operation, namely, the 1st day of January, 1945;
the expression “the Board” means the Central Midwives Board established by this Act;
the expression “the former Board” means the Board administering prior to the appointed day the Midwives Acts, 1918 and 1931 (repealed by this Act);
the expression “the former roll” means the roll maintained by the former Board of persons certified under the Midwives Acts, 1918 and 1931 (repealed by this Act);
the expression “local authority” means a local authority for the purposes of the Local Government Act, 1941 (No. 23 of 1941);
the expression “maternity home” has the same meaning as it has in the Registration of Maternity Homes Act, 1934 (No. 14 of 1934);
the expression “medical officer” means a medical superintendent officer of health for a county borough or a county medical officer of health (as may be appropriate);
the word “midwife” means a woman registered in the roll of midwives;
the expression “midwife's badge” means a badge issued by the Board under rules made for the purposes of section 44 of this Act;
the expression “midwife's certificate” means a certificate issued by the Board under section 31 of this Act;
the expression “the Minister” means the Minister for Local Government and Public Health;
the word “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;
the expression “proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives” means proceedings instituted under rules made for the purposes of section 25 of this Act;
the expression “the roll of midwives” means the roll maintained by the Board under section 23 of this Act;
the expression “rules made under this Act” means rules made under section 18 of this Act.
The local supervising authority.
3.—Every council of a county and corporation of a county borough shall be the local supervising authority for the purposes of this Act for the district consisting of such county or county borough.
Repeals and revocation.
4.—(1) The enactments mentioned in the Schedule to this Act are hereby repealed to the extent specified in the third column of that Schedule.
(2) The Central Midwives Board Order, 1923, is hereby revoked.
PART II.
The Central Midwives Board.
Establishment of the Board.
5.—(1) On the appointed day there shall be established by virtue of this section a board to be styled and known as the Central Midwives Board.
(2) The first members of the Board shall be the persons who immediately before the appointed day were the members of the former Board.
(3) The Board shall be a body corporate with perpetual succession and power to sue and be sued in their corporate name and to hold and dispose of land.
Seal of the Board.
6.—(1) The Board shall provide themselves with a seal, and such seal shall be authenticated by the signature of the chairman of the Board or some other member thereof authorised by the Board to act in that behalf and the signature of the secretary or some other officer of the Board authorised by the Board to act in that behalf.
(2) Judicial notice shall be taken of the seal of the Board, and every document purporting to be an instrument made by the Board and to be sealed with the seal (purporting to be authenticated in accordance with this section) of the Board shall be received in evidence and be deemed to be such instrument without further proof unless the contrary is shown.
Number of the members of the Board.
7.—(1) The number of the members of the Board shall be eleven.
(2) If the number of the persons becoming the first members of the Board is less than eleven, the Minister shall, on or as soon as may be after the appointed day, appoint so many persons to be members of the Board as will bring the number of the members of the Board up to eleven and, in making such appointments, the Minister shall have regard to the composition of the Board required by this Act.
Election year.
8.—The election years for the purposes of this Act shall be the years 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, and so on.
Appointment by the Minister of members of the Board.
9.—(1) Before the 1st day of February in each election year, the Minister shall appoint seven persons to be members of the Board.
(2) Where an appointment is made under this section of persons to be members of the Board—
(a) four of such persons shall be midwives ordinarily resident within the State appointed by the Minister after consultation with such representative nursing organisations as he thinks proper to consult, and
(b) one at least of the remaining three of such persons shall be a registered medical practitioner.
Election of members of the Board.
10.—(1) Before the 1st day of February in each election year, four persons shall be elected to be members of the Board by the registered medical practitioners ordinarily resident within the State.
(2) Every person elected under this section shall be a registered medical practitioner ordinarily resident within the State.
(3) Every election under this section shall be carried out in accordance with regulations made for that purpose by the Minister and the returning officer shall be the chairman, or a person nominated by the chairman, of the Board.
Term of office of members of the Board.
11.—(1) The term of office of a member of the Board shall commence—
(a) in the case of a first member, on the appointed day;
(b) in the case of a member appointed consequent upon the number of the first members being less than eleven, on the day on which he is appointed;
(c) in the case of a member filling a casual vacancy, on the day on which he is co-opted or appointed; and
(d) in every other case, on the 1st day of February in the relevant election year.
(2) The term of office of a member of the Board shall, unless he sooner dies, resigns, or is removed from office, terminate on such 31st day of January in an election year as next follows the commencement of his term of office.
(3) An outgoing or former member of the Board shall be eligible for again becoming a member of the Board.
Resignation of members of the Board.
12.—A member of the Board may resign his office as member of the Board by letter sent by registered post to the Board, and the resignation shall take effect at the commencement of the meeting of the Board held next after the receipt of such letter.
The chairman of the Board.
13.—(1) The Board shall, at their first meeting held after the appointed day and also at their first meeting held after the 31st day of January in every election year, elect one of their members to be chairman of the Board.
(2) Where the office of chairman of the Board becomes vacant otherwise than by the termination of the term of office of a chairman, the Board shall at their next meeting elect one of their members to be chairman of the Board.
(3) Every chairman of the Board shall, unless he sooner dies, resigns the office of chairman, or ceases to be chairman under sub-section (5) of this section, hold office as chairman until such 31st day of January in an election year as next follows his election as chairman.
(4) The chairman of the Board may at any time resign his office as chairman by letter addressed to the Board, and the resignation shall take effect at the commencement of the meeting of the Board held next after the receipt of such letter.
(5) Where the chairman of the Board ceases during his term of office as chairman to be a member of the Board, he shall be disqualified from being and shall forthwith cease to be such chairman.
(6) Where at an election of the chairman of the Board there is an equality of votes for two or more persons, it shall be determined by lot which of those persons shall be chairman of the Board.
Meetings and procedure of the Board.
14.—(1) The Board shall hold at least three meetings in each year and shall also hold such other meetings as may be necessary for the due performance of their functions.
(2) The quorum for a meeting of the Board shall be four.
(3) The chairman of the Board shall act as chairman of every meeting of the Board at which he is present.
(4) If the chairman of the Board is absent from any meeting of the Board or if when any meeting of the Board is held there is no chairman of the Board in office, the members of the Board present shall elect one of themselves to be chairman of the meeting and, where at such election there is an equality of votes for two or more persons, it shall be determined by lot which of those persons shall be chairman of the meeting.
(5) Every question at a meeting of the Board shall be determined by a majority of the votes of the members present and voting on the question and, in case of an equal division of votes, the chairman of the meeting shall have a second or casting vote save where the question is the election of the chairman of the Board.
(6) The Board may act notwithstanding one or more vacancies among their members.
(7) The Board shall pay to each of their members the expenses incurred by him in attending meetings of the Board and the payments shall be in accordance with a scale approved of by the Minister.
(8) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Board shall regulate, by rules made under this Act, the procedure and business of the Board, and such rules may, in particular, provide for the establishment, functions, and procedure of committees of the Board.
Casual vacancies.
15.—(1) Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the Board by death, resignation, or removal from office shall be filled—
(a) in case the person occasioning the vacancy was elected as a member of the Board, by co-option by the other persons elected as members of the Board, and
(b) in any other case, by appointment by the Minister subject to the like restrictions (if any) as governed the appointment of the member occasioning the vacancy.
(2) Any person co-opted under paragraph (a) of sub-section (1) of this section shall be subsequently regarded for the purposes of that paragraph as a person elected as a member of the Board.
Removal of member of the Board.
16.—The Minister may at any time by order remove any member of the Board from office.
Officers and servants of the Board.
17.—(1) The Board shall appoint such and so many persons to be officers (including a secretary) and servants of the Board as the Board, subject to the consent of the Minister, from time to time think proper and every person so appointed shall be selected by the Board in such manner (if any) as the Minister may direct.
(2) Every officer and servant of the Board shall perform the duties required by the Board or this Act to be performed by him and shall be removable at the pleasure of the Board.
(3) The Board shall pay to their officers and servants such remuneration and allowances as the Board, with the consent of the Minister, from time to time determine.
(4) The Board may, with the consent of the Minister, grant to any of their officers and servants on his leaving the service of the Board an annual allowance for life or a gratuity.
Power to make rules.
18.—(1) The Board may make rules
(a) in relation to any matter or thing referred to in this Act as the subject matter of rules, and
(b) generally for carrying this Act into effect,
and any rules so made may prescribe forms to be used on the occasions specified therein.
(2) Rules under this section shall not have effect unless and until they are approved of by the Minister and the Minister shall not give any such approval save after consultation with the Medical Registration Council.
(3) It shall be the duty of the Board to communicate to the Medical Registration Council any rules proposed to be made under this section.
Annual report by the Board to the Minister.
19.—Before the 1st day of April in each year, the Board shall send to the Minister a report of their proceedings during the preceding year and such report shall contain such particulars as the Minister directs.
Contingency fund.
20.—(1) The Board may create a contingency fund and may make such payments into that fund as from time to time they think proper.
(2) The Board may make any particular payment into the fund created under this section notwithstanding that the making of the payment will result in or increase a balance against the Board in the abstract, prepared in pursuance of section 21 of this Act, relating to the year in which the payment is made.
(3) The Board may invest the moneys in the fund created under this section in any securities authorised for the investment of trust funds.
(4) The Board may use the fund created under this section to meet contingencies.
(5) The maximum amount allowed to stand at any time to the credit of the fund created under this section shall be six hundred pounds.
Accounts of the Board and audit thereof.
21.—(1) The Board shall cause accounts of the receipts and payments (including payments made to the contingency fund created under section 20 of this Act) of the Board to be kept in such form as the Minister directs or approves.
(2) The accounts of the Board shall be made up annually to the 31st day of December.
(3) The accounts of the Board shall be audited by a local government auditor appointed from time to time by the Minister for that purpose.
(4) The Minister shall determine the fee to be paid by the Board in respect of an audit under this section and the fee so determined shall be paid by the Board to the Minister and shall thereupon be paid into or disposed of by him for the benefit of the Exchequer in such manner as the Minister for Finance directs.
(5) The Board shall prepare an abstract of the accounts of the Board relating to each year in such form as the Minister directs or approves and such abstract shall be certified to be correct by the local government auditor auditing such accounts.
(6) The Board shall—
(a) keep copies of an abstract prepared in pursuance of sub-section (5) of this section available for purchase or inspection, and
(b) publish a certificate given in pursuance of sub-section (5) of this section,
in such manner as the Minister directs or approves.
Payments by local supervising authorities to the Board.
22.—Where the abstract prepared in pursuance of section 21 of this Act of the accounts of the Board relating to any year shows a balance against the Board, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(a) the Board, with the consent of the Minister, shall apportion such balance between the local supervising authorities in proportion to the totals of the rateable valuations of property situate in their respective districts;
(b) the Board shall send by post to each local supervising authority a notice specifying the amount assigned to such local supervising authority on the apportionment;
(c) such local supervising authority shall pay to the Board one-fourth of the amount so specified within one month after the receipt of the notice and shall pay to the Board the balance of such amount within three months after the receipt of the notice; and
(d) if such local supervising authority fails to make either or both of such payments, the amount due shall be recoverable by the Board as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.
PART III.
Midwives.
The roll of midwives.
23.—(1) The Board shall maintain a roll of midwives.
(2) The Board shall publish the roll of midwives at such times and in such manner as the Minister directs.
(3) The former roll shall, upon the appointed day, become the roll of midwives.
(4) The Board shall cause—
(a) any verbal or clerical errors in the roll of midwives to be rectified,
(b) any entry in the roll of midwives procured by fraud or misrepresentation to be cancelled,
(c) any change in the address of a woman registered in the roll of midwives to be noted therein,
(d) to be removed from the roll of midwives the name of any woman registered therein where they are satisfied that she has died or where they do not receive an answer to a letter sent to her under sub-section (6) of this section within six months after it is sent.
(5) It shall be the duty of a midwife to notify the Board of any change in her name or address.
(6) The Board may send by registered post to any midwife a letter, addressed to her address as stated on the roll of midwives, inquiring whether she has changed her name or address.
(7) The secretary of the Board, acting subject to the directions of the Board, shall be charged with the custody and correction of the roll of midwives.
Registration in the roll of midwives.
24.—(1) The Board shall register in the roll of midwives every woman who—
(a) applies in the prescribed manner for registration therein, and
(b) has completed the prescribed courses of training, and
(c) has passed the prescribed examinations, and
(d) satisfies the Board that she is of good character, and
(e) forwards with her application the prescribed fee and the prescribed documents.
(2) Where any woman applies to the Board for registration in the roll of midwives and—
(a) such woman shows to the satisfaction of the Board—
(i) that she is certified by any controlling authority exercising jurisdiction outside the State under any enactment for the time being in force which provides for the certification by such controlling authority of persons entitled to attend women in childbirth, and
(ii) that she has undergone, for the purpose of being so entitled, training and examination of a standard not lower than that adopted by the Board, and
(iii) that she is of good character, and
(b) the Board are satisfied that such controlling authority certifies or is prepared to certify women registered under this Act on reciprocal terms, and
(c) such woman forwards with her application the prescribed fee,
the Board shall register such woman in the roll of midwives.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing sub-sections of this section, the Board shall not register in the roll of midwives any woman whom the Board consider to be physically, or mentally, unfit to attend women in childbirth and, for the purposes of this sub-section, the Board may require an applicant for registration in the roll of midwives to produce such evidence of her physical and mental fitness as they may direct.
(4) If any question arises under the foregoing sub-sections of this section as to the right of any woman to be registered in the roll of midwives, such question shall be determined by the Minister, whose decision shall be final.
Removal from the roll of midwives.
25.—(1) The Board may, in accordance with rules made under this Act, remove the name of any midwife from the roll of midwives.
(2) The rules made for the purposes of this section shall, in particular, provide that, where it is proposed to remove the name of any midwife from the roll of midwives, proceedings in that behalf shall be instituted before the Board and that in those proceedings the defendant shall have the opportunity of answering the allegations made against her.
(3) The name of a midwife shall not be removed from the roll of midwives save where the Board are satisfied as a result of proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives that—
(a) the midwife has been guilty of conduct which in the opinion of the Board is infamous misconduct or professional misconduct, or
(b) the midwife has been convicted in the State of treason or of a felony or misdemeanour or has been convicted outside the State of a crime or offence which would be a felony or misdemeanour if committed in the State, or
(c) has been convicted of an offence under this Act, or
(d) has disobeyed the rules made by the Board under this Act, or
(e) is physically or mentally unfit to attend women in childbirth.
(4) The Board shall give notice of every removal under this section of a name from the roll of midwives to every local supervising authority concerned and to the Minister.
(5) The Board may, if they so think proper, pay all or any part of the costs and expenses incurred by the defendant in relation to any proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives.
(6) The Board shall supply free of charge any form to be filled up by the defendant in any proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives, together with a properly stamped envelope for the return of such form.
Caution, reprimand or suspension from practice in lieu of removal from the roll of midwives.
26.—(1) In any proceedings for removal from the roll of mid-wives, the Board may, in lieu of removal, caution or reprimand the defendant or suspend her from practice for a specified period not exceeding twelve months.
(2) The Board shall give notice of every caution, reprimand, and suspension under this section to every local supervising authority concerned and to the Minister.
(3) If any midwife practises in contravention of a suspension under this section, she shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.
Evidence in proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives.
27.—(1) In any proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives—
(a) the Board may take evidence on oath and for that purpose the presiding member of the Board may administer oaths, and
(b) the Board may accept a statutory declaration as evidence.
(2) Where in proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives, the Board accept a statutory declaration as evidence, a copy of the declaration shall be given to the defendant not less than ten days before the hearing and she shall be entitled to require the Board to secure the attendance of the declarant for examination at the hearing.
(3) The Board may, by giving, either personally or by post, written notice in that behalf to any person, require such person to attend on the day (being at least seven days after the day on which the notice is given) and at the time and place specified in the notice to give evidence in relation to any matter arising in any proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives or to produce any documents in his possession, custody, or control which relate to any such matter.
(4) A person giving evidence at any proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives shall be entitled to the same immunities and privileges as if he were a witness before the High Court.
(5) It shall not be necessary for a person to attend in compliance with a notice under this section at a place more than ten miles from his ordinary place of residence unless the reasonable and necessary expenses of his attendance have been paid or tendered to him by the Board.
(6) Any person who in compliance with a notice under this section attends at any place shall, save in so far as the reasonable and necessary expenses of his attendance have already been paid to him, be paid such expenses by the Board and such expenses, save as aforesaid, shall, in default of payment, be recoverable as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(7) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (5) of this section, every person to whom a notice has been given under this section who refuses or wilfully neglects to attend in accordance with the notice, or who wilfully alters, suppresses, conceals, or destroys any document to which the notice relates, or who, having so attended, refuses to take the oath or to give evidence, or refuses or wilfully fails to produce any document to which the notice relates, shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
Appeals from decisions of the Board.
28.—(1) Where by the decision of the Board in any proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives, the name of the defendant is removed from the roll of midwives or the defendant is suspended from practice, the defendant may appeal from the decision of the Board either to the High Court or the Minister (but not to both) within three months after the notification to her of such decision.
(2) The decision of the High Court or the Minister (as the case may be) on an appeal under this section shall be final.
(3) Where an appeal under this section is successful—
(a) in the case of an appeal to the High Court, the court may award costs against the Board, and
(b) the Board shall give notice of the result of the appeal to every local supervising authority concerned and (where the appeal was to the High Court) to the Minister, and
(c) where the decision appealed against was a decision removing a name from the roll of midwives, the name shall be restored to the roll of midwives, and
(d) where the decision appealed against was a decision either removing a name from the roll of midwives or suspending a midwife from practice, the Board may, if they so think fit, pay to the appellant such sum as they consider reasonable compensation for any loss of practice sustained by her between the decision of the Board and the determination of the appeal or, where the appellant was suspended from practice by the Board on the institution of the proceedings before the Board, between the institution of the proceedings and the determination of the appeal.
Restoration to the roll of midwives.
29.—The Board may, in accordance with rules made under this Act and on payment of the prescribed fee (if any), restore to the roll of midwives for any reason which they consider sufficient the name of any woman whose name has been removed therefrom.
Employment in maternity home.
30.—(1) The Board may, on removing the name of any midwife from the roll of midwives, direct that she shall not be in employment in any capacity in a maternity home.
(2) A woman to whom a direction under this section relates shall not, so long as her name remains removed from the roll of midwives, be in employment in any capacity in a maternity home.
(3) A woman who is in employment in contravention of sub-section (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.
Midwives certificates.
31.—(1) The Board shall issue to every woman who becomes a midwife or whose name is restored to the roll of midwives a certificate certifying that she is registered in the roll of midwives.
(2) Where the Board, on the application of a midwife, are satisfied that her midwife's certificate has been destroyed, the Board may issue to her a new certificate certifying that she is registered in the roll of midwives.
(3) Where the Board remove the name of any midwife from the roll of midwives, she shall, within fourteen days after the notification to her of the decision of the Board, return her midwife's certificate to the Board for cancellation, and, if she fails to do so, she shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
(4) Where a midwife dies, the person having custody of her midwife's certificate shall, within fourteen days after her death, return the certificate to the Board for cancellation, and, if such person fails to do so, he shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
(5) In a prosecution for an offence under this section, it shall be a good defence if it is shown to the satisfaction of the court that there was reasonable cause for the failure of the defendant to comply with the requirement to which the prosecution relates.
Suspension from practice pending decision in proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives.
32.—(1) Where any proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives are instituted, the Board may, in accordance with rules made under this Act, suspend the defendant from practice until the decision of the Board is given in such proceedings.
(2) The Board shall give notice of every suspension from practice under this section to every local supervising authority concerned and to the Minister.
(3) Where any proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives are dismissed by the Board and the defendant was suspended from practice by the Board under this section pending the decision of the Board, the Board may, if they so think fit, pay to the defendant reasonable compensation for any loss of practice sustained by her during the suspension.
(4) If any midwife practises in contravention of a suspension under this section she shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.
Investigation of charges by local supervising authority.
33.—A local supervising authority shall investigate every charge of disobeying the rules of the Board or of other misconduct reported to them against a midwife practising in their district and if, consequent upon such investigation, they consider that there is a prima facie case against the midwife, they shall report to the Board accordingly.
Suspension from practice consequent upon charge reported to Board.
34.—(1) Where a report is made under the next preceding section in relation to any midwife, the local supervising authority concerned may, in accordance with rules made under this Act, suspend the midwife until proceedings for the removal of her name from the roll of midwives have been instituted or it has been decided that such proceedings shall not be instituted.
(2) Notice of every suspension from practice under this section shall be given to the Board and to the Minister.
(3) Where any proceedings for removal from the roll of midwives terminate in favour of the midwife and the midwife was suspended from practice under this section prior to the institution of such proceedings, or where it has been decided, in a case where a midwife is suspended from practice under this section, that proceedings for the removal of her name from the roll of midwives shall not be instituted, the local supervising authority may, if they so think fit, pay to the midwife reasonable compensation for any loss of practice sustained by her during the suspension.
(4) If any midwife practises in contravention of a suspension under this section, she shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.
Suspension from practice to prevent spread of infection.
35.—(1) A local supervising authority shall, in accordance with rules made under this Act, suspend from practice any midwife practising in their district whenever they are of opinion that it is necessary to do so for the purpose of preventing the spread of infection.
(2) Where a local supervising authority suspends under this section a midwife from practice, such local supervising authority may, if they so think fit, pay to her reasonable compensation for her loss of practice.
(3) If any midwife practises in contravention of a suspension under this section, she shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.
Suspension from practice consequent upon proceedings in respect of offence.
36.—(1) A local supervising authority may, in accordance with rules made under this Act, suspend from practice any midwife practising in their district against whom proceedings in the District Court in respect of any offence under this Act have been instituted until such proceedings have been finally determined.
(2) Where a local supervising authority suspend under this section a midwife from practice and the proceedings on account of which she was suspended terminate in her favour, such local supervising authority may, if they so think fit, pay to such midwife reasonable compensation for her loss of practice.
(3) If any midwife practises in contravention of a suspension under this section, she shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.
General supervision by local supervising authority.
37.—A local supervising authority shall, in accordance with rules made under this Act, exercise general supervision over the midwives practising in their district.
Rules for courses of training and examinations for candidates for registration in the roll of midwives.
38.—The Board may, by rules made under this Act, make provision for the courses of training and examinations to be taken by candidates for registration in the roll of midwives and such rules may, in particular, provide—
(a) for the keeping by the Board of a register of the candidates and for the conditions to which registration in such register shall be subject, and
(b) for the approval by the Board for the purposes of such rules of lecturers and teachers and of institutions in which the courses of training may be taken, and
(c) for the conditions of admission to the examinations, and
(d) for the granting of certificates to persons taking the courses of training and passing the examinations.
Rules for courses of training and examinations for midwives.
39.—The Board may, by rules made under this Act, make provision for courses of training and examinations for midwives and for the granting to midwives taking such courses and passing such examinations, of certificates or diplomas and such rules may, in particular, provide—
(a) for the approval by the Board for the purposes of such rules of lecturers and teachers and of institutions in which the courses of training may be taken, and
(b) for the conditions of admission to the examinations.
Holding of examinations, etc.
40.—(1) The Board may hold the examinations provided for by rules made under this Act and may, by such rules, regulate the conduct of such examinations.
(2) The examiners (none of whom shall be a member of the Board) at every examination held under this section shall be appointed by the Board, shall hold such qualifications and have such experience in midwifery as the Board think proper, and shall be remunerated in accordance with a scale fixed by the Board with the approval of the Minister.
(3) An entrant for an examination held under this section shall pay to the Board the prescribed fee (which shall not exceed one guinea) in respect of that examination.
Designation of midwives.
41.—A midwife may add to her name the designation “State Certified Midwife”.
Restrictions in relation to the title of midwife.
42.—(1) It shall not be lawful for any person other than a woman registered in the roll of midwives to take or use the name or title of midwife, either alone or in combination with any other word or words, or to take or use any name, title, addition, or description implying that such person is registered in the roll of midwives or, save in the case of a registered medical practitioner, implying that such person is specially qualified or recognised by law as a practitioner of midwifery.
(2) Any person acting in contravention of this section shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding ten pounds.
Regulation of practice of midwifery by midwives, etc.
43.—The Board shall by rules made under this Act, regulate supervise, and restrict within due limits the practice of midwifery by midwives and the conduct of midwives.
Midwives' badges.
44.—(1) The Board shall, by rules made under this Act, provide for the issue by the Board to midwives of badges denoting that the wearers are midwives.
(2) Rules for the purposes of this section may, in particular, make provision in respect of the following matters, that is to say:—
(a) the pattern of midwives' badges;
(b) the fee to be paid to the Board on the issue of a midwife's badge; and
(c) the circumstances in which a new midwife's badge may be issued in lieu of a midwife's badge lost, damaged, or destroyed.
(3) Whenever rules for the purposes of this section are for the time being in force, the following provisions shall have effect, that is to say:—
(a) it shall not be lawful for any person other than the midwife to whom a midwife's badge is issued to wear such badge;
(b) it shall not be lawful for any person to whom a midwife's badge is issued to lend the badge to, or permit the badge to be worn by, any other person;
(c) it shall not be lawful for any person to wear a colourable imitation of a midwife's badge;
(d) where the name of any midwife to whom a midwife's badge has been issued is removed from the roll of midwives, she shall within fourteen days from the notification to her of the removal surrender the badge to the Board;
(e) where the name of any woman who has surrendered her midwife's badge under paragraph (d) of this sub-section is restored to the roll of midwives, the Board shall return the badge to her; and
(f) where a midwife to whom a midwife's badge has been issued dies, the person having custody of the badge shall return it to the Board within fourteen days after death.
(4) If any person contravenes (whether by act or omission) any of the provisions of the immediately preceding sub-section of this section, such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
(5) In a prosecution for an offence consisting of a contravention of paragraph (d) or paragraph (f) of sub-section (3) of this section, it shall be a good defence if it is shown to the satisfaction of the court that there was reasonable cause for the failure of the defendant to comply with the requirement to which the prosecution relates.
Notices to be given to local supervising authority by midwives.
45.—(1) Where any midwife proposes to start practising in the district of any local supervising authority, she shall give notice to such local supervising authority of such proposal and of her residence.
(2) Where any midwife who has practised in the district of a local supervising authority during any year proposes to continue practising in that district during the next following year, she shall, during the month of January in the latter year, give notice of such proposal to such local supervising authority.
(3) Where any midwife attends any woman in childbirth in a district of a local supervising authority in which she does not ordinarily practise, she shall immediately give notice of the attendance to such local supervising authority, or if she is unable to give such notice immediately, shall give it not later than forty-eight hours after the attendance.
(4) Where any practising midwife changes her name or address, she shall give notice of such change to every local supervising authority within whose district she is practising.
(5) In addition to the notices specified in the foregoing sub-sections of this section, a midwife shall give to the local supervising authority for every district in which she practises such other notices as are specified in rules made under this Act.
(6) Every notice under this section shall be given in accordance with and in the form specified by rules made under this Act and, if any midwife fails to give as aforesaid any such notice, she shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
Medical assistance in case of emergency.
46.—(1) Where a midwife attends at a childbirth in which any emergency specified in rules made under this Act occurs, she shall call in to her assistance in accordance with such rules a registered medical practitioner.
(2) Where a midwife calls in to her assistance under this section a registered medical practitioner she shall forthwith report the nature of the emergency and the name of the practitioner to the local supervising authority for the district in which the practitioner attended.
(3) Where a registered medical practitioner has, in response to a call made by a midwife under this section, attended in any emergency, the practitioner may report the nature of the emergency to the local supervising authority for the district in which he attended and thereupon such local supervising authority shall pay to the practitioner the appropriate fee.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3) of this section, where a registered medical practitioner who, in response to a call made by a midwife under this section, has attended in an emergency is a medical officer for a dispensary district and the patient is a person eligible for medical assistance under the Public Assistance Act, 1939 (No. 27 of 1939), and resides in the district of such medical officer, no fee shall be payable under the said sub-section.
(5) If for the purposes of sub-section (4) of this section, any doubt, dispute, or question arises as to whether a person is or is not a person eligible for medical assistance under the Public Assistance Act, 1939, such doubt, dispute, or question shall be decided by the relevant public assistance authority, and such decision shall be final.
(6) Where a local supervising authority pays under this section a fee for the attendance of a registered medical practitioner, the husband or other person responsible for the patient shall, unless the patient is a person eligible for medical assistance under the Public Assistance Act, 1939, pay the amount of the fee to the local supervising authority, and such amount shall, in default of payment, be recoverable as a simple contract debt in any court of competent jurisdiction.
(7) The Minister may by regulations specify the fees to be paid under this section to registered medical practitioners and may by such regulations specify conditions governing the payment of such fees.
(8) Nothing in sub-section (1) of this section or any rules made for the purposes of that sub-section shall be construed as preventing the Minister from requiring a midwife of a dispensary district, when calling in to her assistance under this section a registered medical practitioner, to call in the medical officer of such district, if he is available.
(9) In this section—
the expression “dispensary district” means a dispensary district for the purposes of the Public Assistance Act, 1939;
the expression “the appropriate fee” means such fee (if any) as is, in the particular case in question, appropriate in accordance with the regulations made under sub-section (7) of this section.
Attendance of midwives at courses of instruction.
47.—(1) The Board may, by rules made under this Act, require midwives to attend from time to time such courses of instruction as may be approved of by the Board or provided or arranged by them.
(2) Rules for the purposes of this section shall provide that a midwife employed by a local authority shall not be required to attend any course of instruction to which the rules relate except in accordance with the arrangements made by the local authority in pursuance of sub-section (3) of this section.
(3) A local authority by whom a midwife is employed shall, in accordance with such directions as the Minister may give from time to time,—
(a) grant leave of absence to the midwife to attend any course of instruction to which rules for the purposes of this section relate, and
(b) pay a substitute for the midwife during the attendance, and
(c) pay to the midwife travelling expenses in respect of the attendance (including subsistence allowance during the period of the attendance) in accordance with the relevant regulations under sub-section (1) of section 19 of the Local Government Act, 1941 (No. 23 of 1941), and any relevant authorisation under sub-section (3) of that section in like manner as if the attendance was part of the official duties of the midwife.
PART IV.
Restrictions in Relation to Attending Women in Childbirth.
Restrictions in relation to attending women in childbirth.
48.—(1) It shall not be lawful for any person to attend a woman in childbirth unless—
(a) such person is a midwife, or
(b) such person is a duly qualified medical practitioner, or
(c) such person, being a person undergoing training with a view to becoming a duly qualified medical practitioner or a midwife, gives such attention as part of a course of practical instruction in midwifery recognised by the Medical Registration Council or the Board, or
(d) such attention is given, otherwise than for reward, in a case of sudden or urgent necessity where neither a midwife nor a duly qualified medical practitioner is immediately available.
(2) If any person acts in contravention of this section, such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds.
PART V.
Miscellaneous.
Contribution by local supervising authority to cost of training midwives.
49.—A local supervising authority may, in such manner and to such extent as the Minister approves, contribute to the cost of the training of candidates for midwives' certificates, whether such training takes place within their district or elsewhere.
Annual report by medical officer of local supervising authority.
50.—The medical officer of a local supervising authority shall, before the 1st day of April in each year, prepare a report on the administration in the district of such authority during the preceding year of this Act and shall send copies of such report to the Board and to the Minister.
Report to the Board of death of midwife, etc.
51.—(1) A local supervising authority shall report to the Board—
(a) the death of any midwife practising in the district of such local supervising authority;
(b) every change in the name or address of a midwife so practising; and
(c) every conviction of an offence under this Act of a midwife so practising.
(2) A local supervising authority shall, in the month of February in each year, send to the Board a statement of the name and address of every midwife who during the month of January in that year has given to such authority a notice under sub-section (1) or sub-section (2) of section 45 of this Act.
Supply of forms by local supervising authority.
52.—Save as otherwise provided by this Act, every form to be used by a midwife shall be supplied to her free of charge by the local supervising authority concerned, together with, where the form is to be returned by post, a properly stamped envelope.
Proof of woman being or not being a midwife.
53.—A certificate purporting to be signed by the secretary of the Board or any other person authorised by the Board to sign on his behalf that any woman was or was not on a specified date a midwife shall be received in all courts without further proof as prima facie evidence of the matters which it certifies.
Powers of entry and inquiry of officers of local supervising authorities.
54.—Any officer of a local supervising authority, authorised by such authority to exercise the powers conferred by this section, may at all reasonable times enter any maternity home which is situated in the district of such authority and may there make all such inquiries as he thinks proper for the purposes of the enforcement of this Act, and if any person wilfully obstructs any such officer in making such entry or wilfully refuses to answer any such inquiry to the best of his ability, such person shall be guilty of an offence under this section and shall be liable on summary conviction thereof to a fine not exceeding five pounds.
Power of local supervising authority to act by their medical officer.
55.—Save as regards the granting of any authority under the next preceding section or the payment of any moneys, where any power is conferred or any duty imposed by this Act on a local supervising authority, the power may be exercised or the duty performed by such local supervising authority or, subject to their instructions, by their medical officer.
Expenses of local supervising authority which is council of a county.
56.—The expenses incurred under this Act by a local supervising authority which is the council of a county shall be raised by means of the poor rate equally over the whole of the county.
Expenses of Minister.
57.—The expenses incurred by the Minister in the administration of this Act shall, to such extent as may be sanctioned by the Minister for Finance, be paid out of moneys provided by the Oireachtas.
PART VI.
Transitory Provisions.
Property, etc., of former Board.
58.—(1) All property, whether real or personal (including choses-in-action) which immediately before the appointed day was vested in or belonged to or was held in trust for the former Board or the members thereof as such and all rights, powers, and privileges relating to or connected with any such property shall, on the appointed day and without any conveyance or assignment, become and be vested in or the property of or held in trust for the Board for all the estate, term, or interest for which the same immediately before the appointed day was vested in or belonged to or was held in trust for the former Board or the members thereof as such.
(2) Every debt and other liability (including unliquidated liabilities arising from torts or breaches of contract) which immediately before the appointed day was owing and unpaid or has been incurred and was undischarged by the former Board or the members thereof as such shall, on the appointed day, become and be the debt or liability of the Board and shall be paid or discharged by and may be recovered from or enforced against the Board.
(3) Every chose-in-action transferred by this section may be sued upon, recovered, or enforced by the Board in their own name, and it shall not be necessary for the Board to give notice to the person bound by such chose-in-action of the transfer effected by this section.
Proceeding by and against former Board.
59.—Any proceedings instituted by or against the former Board or the members thereof as such which were pending immediately before the appointed day may be continued by or against and in the name of the Board and, in particular, any proceedings for the removal of the name of any woman from the former roll which were pending immediately before the appointed day shall become and shall be continued as proceedings under this Act for the removal of the name of such woman from the roll of midwives.
Officers of former Board.
60.—Every person who immediately before the appointed day was a paid officer of the former Board shall on the appointed day be transferred to and become an officer of the Board.
Women registered in the former roll.
61.—(1) The registrations in the former roll immediately before the appointed day shall, on the appointed day, become the first registrations in the roll of midwives.
(2) The certificate and badge issued by the former Board to a woman who, immediately before the appointed day, stood registered in the former roll shall, on and from the appointed day, be deemed for all purposes to be a midwife's certificate and a midwife's badge.
Relief for women whose names were removed from former roll.
62.—Where the Board become of opinion that the right to attend women in childbirth should be restored to any woman whose name stood, immediately before the appointed day, removed from the former roll, the Board may register her in the roll of midwives and so much of this Act and the rules made under this Act as relate to the restoration of a name to the roll of midwives shall have effect in relation to such registration.
Continuation of rules of former Board.
63.—Until rules are made in regard to any particular matter by the Board under this Act, the rules made by the former Board shall, as regards that matter and subject to any necessary modifications, have effect as if duly made by the Board under this Act.
Report of proceedings of former Board.
64.—As soon as may be after the appointed day, the Board shall send to the Minister a report of the proceedings of the former Board during the year 1944 and the report shall contain such particulars as the Minister directs.
Statement of receipts and expenditure of former Board, etc.
65.—(1) As soon as may be after the appointed day, the Board shall publish a statement of the receipts and expenditure, including liabilities, during the year 1944 of the former Board and such statement shall be certified as correct by a local government auditor to be appointed for that purpose by the Minister.
(2) If the statement published by the Board under this section shows a balance against the former Board, section 22 of this Act (which relates to payments by local supervising authorities to the Board) shall apply in relation to such balance in like manner as if it were such a balance as is mentioned in that section.
(3) The Board shall send a copy of the statement published under this section to the Minister.
(4) The Minister shall determine the fee to be paid by the Board in relation to the certification in pursuance of this section by a local government auditor of the statement published under this section and the fee so determined shall be paid by the Board to the Minister and shall thereupon be paid into or disposed of by him for the benefit of the Exchequer in such manner as the Minister for Finance directs.
SCHEDULE.
Enactments Repealed.
Session and Chapter or Number and Year | Short title | Extent of Repeal |
7 & 8 Geo. 5, c. 59 | Midwives (Ireland) Act, 1918. | The whole Act so far as unrepealed. |
No. 35 of 1931 | The whole Act. |