Lowry – “Reverse Decision To NOT Fill Thurles Civil Registration Post”

Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has called on the HSE to fill the vacant post at the offices of the Civil Registration Service, situated at St. Mary’s Health Centre, Thurles, Co. Tipperary.

In a public written statement Deputy Lowry said; “The previous Registrar has recently retired, after a lifetime of dedicated service. The HSE have confirmed that there is no immediate plan to re-appoint a replacement officer to this now vacant position.

The HSE’s Civil Registration Service plays a most important role in our community; being responsible for assisting people to register births, together with marriages, civil partnerships and deaths, etc.

This recent dilemma further highlights the immense challenges currently faced by Irish rural dwellers on a day-to-day bases. In particular, services provided by the HSE, are dying nationally; but not more so than those currently being experienced within the rural constraints of Co. Tipperary. Currently within our Health Service, post after post in our rural areas are falling vacant, with no incentive to attract suitable personnel.

In the past the Thurles Civil Registration Office has provided a professional and quality service to the local community. This same service has been undertaken in conjunction with parts of South Tipperary, Dundrum and Cappawhite, together with Templemore and Borrisoleigh. In the case of individual citizens originating from Tipperary and now residing abroad; they too have greatly benefited from the provision of these services.

I am well aware that there are other Civil Registration Service offices in Nenagh, Roscrea, and Cashel, which open 3 half days only on a weekly basis; while Clonmel offers a morning-only service to the public; caused by a retirement and the death of a staff member. The filling of a full-time replacement position in Thurles is therefore now essential.

I have been in contact with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and have requested that they immediately make a full, focused and determined effort to attract a full-time Registrar, to fill this most essential post” concluded Michael Lowry.