andMr. P. O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in sanctioning the proposal to erect a new dispensary at Carrickmagrath, County Donegal; and if he is aware of the most unsatisfactory conditions existing there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Carrickmagrath (Donegal) Dispensary.
7.
The main dispensary for the Killygordon dispensary district, in which Carrickmagrath is situated, is at Killygordon. In 1961, a former, unsuitable, dispensary depot at Carrickmagrath was closed and arrangements were made whereby eligible persons formerly served at the depot at Carrickmagrath would be seen at the dispensary doctor's residence at Stranorlar.
When proposals were received from the Donegal County Council for the erection of dispensary buildings in five dispensary districts in the county, approval was granted for the erection of four but, in relation to the fifth, a new depot at Carrickmagrath, the health authority were asked, by letter of 17 January, 1964, to reconsider their proposal in the light of the arrangements in operation for eligible persons in the Carrickmagrath area since 1961, when, according to my information, only two persons, on average, attended the weekly dispensary sessions. I understand that the matter was discussed at a meeting of Donegal County Council held on 6th instant when it was stated that the existing arrangements caused hardship to some eligible persons in the Carrickmagrath area. The matter, I understand, is still under examination by the health authority and I will reconsider the proposal when the health authority's views have been furnished to me following this examination.
Did the Minister receive any letter from Donegal County Council in response to his query of January, 1964?
Not so far. The matter is, as I said in my reply, still under examination by the council.