asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there is no dispensary doctor resident in Dunmore, County Galway; and, if so, what action, if any, he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dunmore (Galway) Dispensary Doctor.
78.
The temporary district medical officer, Dunmore dispensary district, resides within the district, at Milltown where she has been in private practice for some years. While the health authority are aware that Milltown is not as centrally placed for the district as Dunmore, where the former permanent district medical officer resided, they are satisfied that the temporary district medical officer is providing a satisfactory service for eligible persons. Furthermore, the authority expect that the services of this doctor will continue to be available and that this will avoid the frequent changes of doctor which often occur when temporary district medical officers from outside an area are appointed.
In the circumstances, I do not consider that any action by me is called for.
There are many people in this parish of Dunmore—and I am sure the Minister knows it—who have to travel long distances to contact this doctor in emergency cases. I think it would be for the good of the parish if a dispensary doctor could be appointed and be resident in the town of Dunmore.
I must say I accept that that is so, but I should like to say that the appointment of the doctor who is now residing in Milltown——
I have no objection to the appointment of the doctor who is residing in Milltown.
I accept what the Deputy says. The doctor who is residing in Milltown was appointed by the local authority and was considered to be the best person. I accept what the Deputy says, that it is not as convenient for Dunmore as it might be, but it is about the best that could be done in the circumstances. Only three candidates offered for the post.