asked the Minister for Health if he will state the number of mass radiographic units in operation or on order, and when he expects that all local authorities will be able to carry out yearly inspections.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Radiographic Units
I presume the Deputy is referring to the provision of mobile mass radiography units, one of which is already in operation by Cork County Council under their tuberculosis service.
In the light of the experience gained with the use of the Cork unit, consideration is being given to the provision of a limited number of additional mobile units in other parts of the country, with particular reference to the design of the new units and the areas to be served by them. My Department will communicate in the near future with the health authorities concerned and will furnish them with a standard specification for the purpose of inviting tenders for the supply of these additional units.
Mass radiography is an innovation in this country, and until more experience is gained of its use under conditions obtaining in rural areas, it will not be possible to say how frequently health authorities will be able to make mass radiography surveys of their functional areas.