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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 5 May 1943

Vol. 89 No. 18

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Corporation Dispensary.

asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he is aware that the Dublin Corporation dispensary for the prevention of tuberculosis has been under-staffed for a considerable time; and if he will state the reason for the failure to appoint an assistant medical officer and a nurse to the dispensary, as has been recommended.

The staffing and administration of the tuberculosis scheme in Dublin has received special consideration in my Department. The position is to be further reviewed as soon as the additional appointment of a deputy medical superintendent officer of health is made. The services of an additional nurse were sought. It appeared that she would be assigned the visitation of cases in Howth, and it has been suggested to the corporation that the arrangements for the visitation of patients by the nurse employed by the local District Nursing Association prior to the transfer of Howth to the city might be continued.

Mr. Byrne

The Parliamentary Secretary must be aware that the dispensary staff is depleted considerably and they have been working shorthanded for a long period. Is that not a fact?

I am fully aware of the position.

Mr. Byrne

In the dispensary for the prevention of tuberculosis in the City of Dublin they are under-staffed and the Government Department will not move in the matter.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the dispensary for the prevention of tuberculosis in Dublin City, referred to by Deputy Byrne, is used not only as a dispensary but as a treatment centre; that it is staffed with only three doctors and eight nurses, and it is expected to provide the necessary guidance and treatment for a population of upwards of 500,000? Does not the Parliamentary Secretary propose to alter that state of affairs immediately?

I have already replied to the supplementary questions put by Deputy Byrne and Deputy Hannigan. Let me repeat that the position is to be further reviewed as soon as the additional appointment of a deputy medical superintendent officer of health is made.

Mr. Byrne

When will that be?

This matter has been under consideration for years.

There is another question relating to that particular matter.

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