asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the people of Crossakiel are very disturbed at the proposed change in their dispensary district from Crossakiel, County Meath to Clonmellon, County Westmeath; and, if so, what action he proposes to take.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Dispensary Transfer.
11.
I am not aware that the people of Crossakiel, County Meath, are disturbed at the proposal under consideration that Crossakiel dispensary district and the bordering dispensary district of Clonmellon, County Westmeath, might be served by the same district medical officer. It is understood that this proposal was unanimously agreed to by the members of Meath County Council at their meeting of 5th February last.
As there were only 291 persons covered by medical cards on 27th October, 1961, in the Crossakiel dispensary district it was suggested that the appointment of a separate district medical officer for the area was not warranted as the area could be served conveniently by the district medical officer of the Clonmellon dispensary district which had 657 persons covered by medical cards on 13th October, 1961. The doctor would give the same service in the Crossakiel area as given by the doctors previously appointed for the area and would in fact reside nearer to Ardglasson, where the dispensary for the area is located, than his predecessors who resided in Kells, nine miles away. It is understood that Westmeath County Council propose to build a residence for the doctor in the town of Clonmellon. which is only five miles from Ardglasson.
Is the Minister aware that that area is represented on the Meath County Council by five Fianna Fáil and two Fine Gael councillors, and none of them made any objection?