asked the Minister for Health whether he is prepared to issue a list setting out those dispensaries which are (1) satisfactory in every respect; (2) passable; (3) below standard, and (4) totally inadequate, and to take urgently energetic steps to remedy the deplorable inadequacy of existing dispensary accommodation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Condition of Dispensaries
I do not propose to issue a list as proposed. Deputies who are interested in the matter can obtain the relevant information from the local authority in the area concerned.
All possible steps are being taken by me to bring to the notice of public assistance authorities their obligations in the matter of providing dispensary accommodation of good standard. Circulars in general terms indicating what should be done have been issued to those authorities. In addition extracts from the reports of medical inspectors dealing with inadequacies in particular dispensary premises are sent to the local authority concerned and in all such cases they are urged specially to take the necessary steps to improve the position.
Could the Minister indicate exactly when he last wrote to the local authorities in connection with the improvement of dispensaries?
I would need notice of that question. As reports come in from medical inspectors, the local authority is written to straight away with regard to the dispensaries. They have also got from time to time a general instruction to the dispensaries.
Have the county medical officers of health the same liberty to report on the condition of dispensaries in the annual report as they have on the condition of schools?
They have, but I do not know if the medical officers of health have very much to do with the dispensaries, though certainly they have the power to report.
Would the Minister consider asking county medical officers of health to make a special report as regards existing conditions of dispensaries?
I do not know if that would be wise, as they have a lot of work to do apart from that.