asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that the population of the Blackrock dispensary district, Cork, has increased in recent years by approximately 75 per cent. and that the sub-dispensary in the populous Ballyphehane area of that district is open for only three hours a week; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to make available adequate dispensary facilities for the residents of the district.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cork Dispensary Facilities.
I am aware that the population of the Cork Rural No. 1, Dispensary District in which the Blackrock area is situated has increased substantially in recent years and I understand that the dispensary in Ballyphehane is open for one hour three days a week. The question of the provision of additional facilities in the area is a matter for the board of assistance in the first instance and I have not received any recent proposals from the board regarding the matter.
I have asked the board to examine the matter and to furnish me with their observations.