asked the Minister for Defence whether he is prepared to accept liability for the treatment of dependents of members of the Army, when attended in local dispensaries, or at their own houses by the local dispensary doctor.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dispensary Treatment of Soldiers' Dependents.
I do not propose to accept liability for the treatment of the dependents of members of the Defence Forces either at local dispensaries or at their homes by the local dispensary doctor. Soldiers' dependents who seek such treatment are entitled to have it accorded them on the same terms and conditions as apply to other members of the community.
Does the Minister not agree that there ought to be some change in the position whereby, in certain areas in which there are large numbers of members of the Army, a considerable number of dependents go to the dispensary for treatment on the ordinary dispensary ticket?
I am not aware of any difficulty whatever. I am not sure, from the manner in which the question is framed, whether the Deputy's interest is in the patients or the dispensary doctor.
In the patients, largely.
If the Deputy knows of any case of hardship, I shall have it dealt with if he brings it to my notice.
The Minister must be aware that there is a very considerable shortage, or a necessary restriction, of drugs in dispensaries at the moment.
I do not think there is any substance in that.