asked the Minister for Health what steps he proposes to take to have a dispensary doctor provided for Ballinakill, County Laois as a matter of urgency, having regard to the many complaints from the general public of the district who feel that the appointment of a doctor is of the greatest urgency; and if he will take action to have this matter disposed of to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laois Dispensary Doctor.
26.
Mr. O'Malley
A temporary district medical officer has been serving Ballinakill dispensary district since the permanent officer resigned in October, 1964. Initially, the temporary doctor resided in the dispensary residence at Ballinakill. However, from the date of his resignation in June, 1965, up to 1st July, 1966, a doctor residing in Abbeyleix served the district and I am informed by the health authority that she provided an adequate service for eligible persons.
This doctor has now resigned and the health authority propose to advertise shortly with a view to obtaining a temporary district medical officer who will reside within the Ballinakill dispensary district. In the meantime the district is being served by another doctor residing in Abbeyleix.
Permanent posts as district medical officer are not being filled at present in view of the proposed introduction of a general medical service with choice of doctor.