Subsérie 1 - Minute Books (1924-42)

24 volumes

Series of minutes books created on the enactment of the Local Government Temporary Provisions Act, 1923, recording executive decisions on a range of issues by Offaly Board of Health and Public Assistance. These minutes follow directly from the Hospital and Homes Committee Minutes (Series 2).

Contains reports such as the Superintendent's Report from the general and fever hospitals; the Superintendent's Report from the County Home; Inspector's reports for boarded-out children; and reports from the district hospitals of Edenderry and Birr. Also includes 'Letters and Sanctions' from the Department of Local Government.

General matters arising include the appointment and remuneration of medical and clerical staff; financial issues relating to the sending of patients to extern hospitals; tenders for the supply of provisions to the hospitals; and orders relating to the dispensary districts throughout the county.

Decisions relating to the boarding-out of children are recorded intermittently in each minute book. Minutes also contain reports on conditions in the county home and in foster homes, on the health and welfare of boarded-out children, and on admissions of unmarried mothers to the county home and/or transfers to mother and baby homes in neighbouring counties. Contains sporadic lists (names and addresses) of boarded out-children, unmarried mothers, and foster parents.

Chronological arrangement. Specific points of interest pertaining to each volume may be highlighted in their individual volume descriptions, the series description above relating to issues which arise in all volumes.

The early years of this committee (1924-1928) were chaired by Commissioner David O'Keefe, who was appointed to preside over the affairs of Offaly County Council following its dissolution in 1924 due to financial insolvency.