asked the Minister for Health when a dispensary doctor will be appointed to Leenane, County Galway, Clonbur No. 2 District.
65.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Leenane (Galway) Dispensary.
64.
asked the Minister for Health whether his proposals to abolish the dispensary system will affect the future of the Leenane dispensary in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the future of dispensaries in isolated areas.
Mr. O'Malley
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 65 together.
The vacant post of district medical officer, Clonbur No. 2 (Leenane) dispensary district was advertised recently by the Local Appointments Commission. It is hoped that the Commissioners will be in a position, in the near future, to recommend a suitable candidate to the Galway County Council for appointment to the post.
I am not in a position, at this stage, to make a specific statement regarding the future of dispensary premises in particular areas under the proposed revision of the general medical service. In general, it is envisaged that participating doctors will see eligible persons in their private surgeries; it may be, however, that for the convenience of the patients, doctors might use dispensary premises as branch surgeries in some isolated areas.
I would refer the Deputy to paragraphs 44 and 45 of the White Paper on the Health Services.