asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that complaints were made to the commissioner administering the affairs of the Westmeath Board of Health regarding the hardship inflicted on poor persons by the failure of the dispensary doctor at Street dispensary to be in attendance at the dispensary during the hours appointed; whether he is aware that the hours appointed for attendance at the dispensary are from 11.30 to 1 p.m., and that it was reported to the commissioner that frequently the doctor does not attend before 3.30 in the day; whether he will state what action the commissioner has taken, arising out of the complaints made to him, and whether it is the intention of the Department to insist that the doctor will be in attendance during the hours appointed for that purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Attendance of Dispensary Doctor.
I am aware that a complaint of the nature referred to was made. Medical officers are required to attend punctually at dispensaries. The commissioner made inquiries and regarded as satisfactory the explanation given in the matter.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the doctor failed to attend even on the days appointed by the board of health? What are the sick people to do in the meantime? For 80 per cent. of the days he failed to attend sooner than 3.30 and for 10 per cent. he failed to attend at all.
No such complaint has been made to the Department.
If a sworn statement to that effect is submitted to the Department by the people concerned, will he take action?
Certainly. If the circumstances are as stated the matter will certainly be inquired into.
I shall give the Parliamentary Secretary documentary evidence that the statements I have made are correct.
Submit the statement.