asked the Minister for Health if he will state, in respect of the West Galway area, the number of persons (a) who applied for free medical treatment and for maternity cash grants, and (b) whose applications were successful.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Applications under Health Act.
I am informed by Galway County Council that, in respect of the area west of the River Corrib, the number of persons who applied to date for inclusion in the general medical services register was 2,828; 2,561 applications were successful; 80 were refused, and 187 are under consideration by the health authority. One thousand and seventy-one applications were received for maternity cash grants; 842 were granted; 125 were refused and 104 are under consideration by the health authority.
Arising out of the reply, is the Minister aware of the dissatisfaction caused in West Galway by the operation of these schemes, and will the Minister give a direction with a view to implementing these schemes in the manner originally intended?
That is a separate question.