asked the Minister for Health if he will make available a special grant for the erection of a dispensary and doctor's residence on Arranmore island and thereby encourage medical officers when appointed to remain on the island.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Facilities on Arranmore Island.
I have received no approach from the local authority for the provision of a new dispensary or a dispensary residence on Arranmore island. I am arranging to have the position there investigated and will then consider what needs to be done.
asked the Minister for Health if he will state the number of permanent and temporary dispensary medical officers and doctors on a locum tenens basis appointed to Arranmore island, County Donegal, from 1932 to date.
Since 1932 three permanent medical officers have been appointed in Dungloe No. 3 dispensary district which includes the island of Arranmore. Departmental records show that 26 doctors were appointed as temporary medical officer and locum tenens (the records do not differentiate between the two classes) in the district since 1932, but this figure may not be complete as the local authority is empowered to appoint in a temporary capacity medical practitioners who have previously received the sanction of my Department in respect of employment in other similar posts
I do not wish to bandy these unfortunate islanders or make political capital out of them. Here we have a case where in 20 years over 30 doctors were appointed to the island. I say that, unless we erect a residence and a proper dispensary, no medical officer will take up permanent residence on the island. Perhaps the Minister will kindly take up the matter with the Donegal County Council.
I would like the Deputy to be clear about these figures. The figure includes locum tenens. All our dispensary doctors may appoint one each year. Taking any dispensary on that basis, there would be 20 doctors there in 20 years.
I am prepared to say that 30 is the very minimum who have spent at least a month on the island.
Perhaps you are right.