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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Dec 1966

Vol. 226 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Custom House Medical Examinations Facilities.

24.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare if steps will be taken to improve the accommodation provided for persons attending for medical examinations at the Custom House, Dublin; and, in particular, if a floor other than a stone floor will be provided.

The accommodation provided in the Custom House, Dublin, for persons attending for medical examination is regarded as generally satisfactory, and no complaints have been received in my Department in relation thereto. The floors in the waiting room and adjoining passages are covered with linoleum while the floor of the examination room is covered with linoleum and carpeting. It has been necessary, on occasions, to use the waiting room as a second examination centre but such occasions are infrequent.

I take it that the people who considered that this place was generally satisfactory are the staff who administer it and who probably wear shoes and are clothed. The unfortunate people who have to strip and stand around, sometimes for considerable periods, consider that the facilities are rather rough.

The rooms are heated. I did not say that the staff found it suitable.

The best way to test it is to stand around in the same way as these unfortunate people have to stand around.

There have been numerous complaints of discomfort to people using the waiting rooms. Will the Minister look further into the matter to see if there could be some improvement?

I do not accept that there have been numerous complaints.

I have heard numerous complaints.

Most of the people are appellants and they are not likely to make complaints in regard——

They are claiming for benefit in the Dublin area.

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