asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange with the Dublin Health Authority to have first aid centres set up in the various Dublin suburban housing areas, particularly where the nearest hospital is some distance away from the area concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin First Aid Centres.
1.
The question appears to imply that the Minister for Health has power to direct health authorities in matters of this kind. He has not such power. The statutes set out the services which a health authority must provide and regulations made by the Minister indicate, in general terms, the manner in which they should be provided; but the detailed administration of the regulations, in the particular circumstances of their area as a whole or of portions thereof, is a matter for the health authority.
I am advised that the Dublin Health Authority do not consider that there is need for first aid centres in the various suburban housing areas. Their reasoning, I understand, is that all these districts are within reasonable reach of one or more of the 24 general and children's hospitals in the Dublin area at which a first aid and casualty service is available or can be provided in an emergency and that a speedy and efficient ambulance service is provided to convey injured persons to such hospitals. In these circumstances, they feel that they would not be justified in burdening the ratepayers with the considerable cost which the Deputy's suggestion would involve.