asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the urgent need to appoint a dispensary doctor to the Ballingarry. Thurles area, County Tipperary; and if so, what steps he proposes to take to remedy the matter which is a source of great hardship and anxiety to a large populace.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Tipperary Dispensary Doctor.
68.
Ballingarry dispensary district is served at present by the dispensary doctor of an adjoining district. The health authority has been unable to make a temporary appointment of a resident dispensary doctor since the post became vacant at the end of 1965.
I would draw the Deputy's attention to the statement which I made when introducing the Estimate for my Department on 23rd February, 1967, on the filling of posts of district medical officer (Dáil Debates, Vol. 226, columns 1774 and 1775).
Will the Minister give no hope whatsoever to the people of Ballingarry district that they will have a dispensary doctor within a reasonable time, particularly having regard to the disadvantage with which the acting doctor is presented in trying to cope with such a large population? I am concerned that a large number of medical card holders are entitled to medical treatment and are unable to secure it at the present time by reason of the inadequacy of the medical service in that area. Will the Minister do something to expedite the appointment of a doctor?
It is most unfair of Deputies to ask supplementary questions in the form of the speech made by Deputy Treacy. It is difficult for me to answer such questions. There are all sorts of assumptions which are unfounded and unfair. The Deputy would be well advised to read what I said when introducing my Estimate a few weeks ago. The Deputy knows well that I am concerned about Ballingarry and all other places. Consultations are proceeding at the moment between the Irish Medical Association and the Medical Union as to what steps will be taken.
It is the Minister's responsibility to provide doctors.