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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Mar 1943

Vol. 89 No. 10

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Proposed Dispensary for Drimnagh.

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is aware that a grave necessity exists in the Drimnagh, Crumlin, area for a separate dispensary district; and if he will take steps to have a dispensary area created, with a separate doctor and maternity nurse.

In April, 1941, a temporary appointment of an additional medical officer was made for the southern portion of the South City No. 5 (New Kilmainham) Dispensary District pending further consideration of the medical staffing of the Crumlin area, including Drimnagh. The making of a permanent appointment is receiving consideration at present. I may say, however, that there have been no representations since the temporary appointment was made as to the inadequacy of the medical services in that area. I am not aware of any demand for a dispensary midwife for this area. In 1940 a midwife was appointed temporarily for one year for the Rathfarnham (Crumlin) Dispensary District, but as she attended no dispensary case during the year the appointment was not renewed.

May I ask the Parliamentary Secretary if he is aware that for a period of over two years prior to the dissolution of the board of assistance representations had been made to his Department regarding the division of this particular area. An official from his Department attended and the division of the area was almost agreed on and, since then, notwithstanding these representations, no dispensary doctor has been appointed. There has been a considerable increase in the housing area owing to the corporation scheme, and I want to ask the Parliamentary Secretary does he consider that the number of persons to be attended to does not mean overwork for any medical officer?

I have already said in my reply that the matter is at present under consideration.

Does the Parliamentary Secretary hold out any hope of an early solution of it?

Yes, I think so.

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