asked the Minister for Health if he will state the estimate or estimates for the cost involved in relation to the schemes for the modification of the present dispensary system referred to by him in his speech on the Estimate for his Department (Official Report, Volume 167, column 1329).
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Modification of Dispensary System.
Schemes for the modification of the present dispensary system in urban areas with a population of not less than 10,000 were examined in my Department.
One scheme envisaged that, in conjunction with a "panel" system, drugs and medicines would be supplied through compounders employed by the health authorities; the additional cost of this scheme was estimated at £260,000 in the first year, £201,000 in the second year, £198,000 in the third year, and £195,000 a year thereafter.
Another scheme envisaged the introduction of the modified dispensary system piecemeal in the dispensary districts in the urban areas concerned on the occurrence of vacancies in individual districts, arrangements for the supply of medicines remaining as at present. The estimated cost of this scheme was £90,000 in the first year, £67,000 in the second year, £72,000 in the third year, £77,000 in the fourth year and £82,000 in the fifth year, rising considerably in later years.
The Deputy will appreciate that the foregoing estimates were of a preliminary nature as they had necessarily to be based on a number of assumptions.
I think the latest figures which the Minister gave were based on the fact that in urban areas, particularly in Dublin City, there are a number of temporary posts. Is it correct that recently a number of these posts have been advertised for permanent filling? Or does the Minister feel that this does not fairly arise out of the question?
Yes; I think they have in fact been advertised for permanent filling.
Does that mean that the Minister has decided that no further consideration should be given to these proposals?
No; it merely means that if I had £82,000, I could find better ways to spend it.
Better ways than providing a free choice of doctor for people in the dispensary class?
Better ways than just to afford them that privilege.
I suppose the Minister will be able to tell us about the better ways later on.