asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that a cottage hospital in a central position is necessary in North County Dublin, especially to serve the Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, Lusk, Garristown, and Naul areas which are a good distance from Dublin hospitals; and, if so, whether he will give favourable consideration to the provision of such a hospital.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers - County Dublin Cottage Hospital.
I am not aware that a cottage hospital is necessary in North County Dublin to serve the areas referred to by the Deputy. Persons resident in this area, who are eligible for medical assistance, are sent to Dublin hospitals for treatment when necessary by the Balrothery Board of Assistance.
I am informed that the ambulance and transport services in the area are satisfactory and that no undue delay occurs in having patients removed to hospital.
This arrangement, so far as I am aware, has for a number of years proved satisfactory and has best served the residents of this area.
Is the Minister aware that there was a hospital of a kind in Balrothery at one time and that a number of residents from the North County Dublin area are very anxious that some cottage hospital should be established in that centre of in some adjoining centre?
I am aware that there was, as the Deputy said, a hospital of a kind in Balrothery at one time to which the patients got admission. I am also aware that there is a hospital of a very different kind to which they are getting admission at the moment.
Can the Minister say what degree of pressure was exercised by Deputy Burke by way of Parliamentary Question during the period of office of Deputy MacEntee as Minister for Local Government and Public Health?
Measured in terms of weight, I would say, at an eye glance, about 16 stones.
Is the Minister aware that the improved hospital accommodation to which he has referred was provided in that area under the auspices of Deputy MacEntee when he was Minister for Local Government and Public Health?
Let somebody else play the trumpet for you.
Perhaps that is the reason why Deputy Burke is discontented.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, I suppose the Minister is aware that I am a little heavier than he thought I was—but that is beside the point——
You did not exercise your weight, so?
I should like to point out that Deputy Con Lehane's supplementary question is of very little use to the people who asked me to raise this question. I am sure they will take proper cognisance of the cheap type of gibe the Deputy has made.