Vol. 227 No. 12
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that proposals for the erection of new dispensaries and for much-needed repairs and renovations to old dispensaries have been abandoned by many health authorities pending the implementation or clarification of his proposals for the abolition of the dispensary system as contained in the White Paper on the Health Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
70.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the very bad condition of Ardfinnan dispensary, Clonmel, County Tipperary and of the sufferings endured by the many people who are obliged to go there for medical attention and home assistance: and, if so, whether he is prepared to recommend the erection of a new dispensary and in the meantime to take urgent steps to find alternative accommodation.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 69 and 70 together. In replying to the debate on the Estimate for my Department on 14th March, 1967, I explained why, in present circumstances, it would be inappropriate to commence major works on dispensaries (Dáil Debates, vol. 227, columns 562 and 563). Reasonable maintenance of existing dispensary buildings is not, of course, excluded.
I referred to the specific case of Ardfinnan in replying to the Estimates debates. Following further discussion with the health authority, I now expect that arrangements will shortly be made to substitute better rented accommodation for the present unsatisfactory dispensary.
Is the Minister not aware that arising from the issue of the White Paper on Health Services, many local authorities, including the authority I represent in this House, abandoned the erection of dispensaries and the renovation of outdated buildings? Would the Minister clear up the confusion that seems to exist in the minds of authority managers, that they have not responsibility for the dispensaries we are talking about until such time as the Minister makes up his mind in regard to the erection of the dispensaries in question? It has gone on too long and in the meantime the people are suffering.
Question No. 71.
I do not know whether I am entitled to any protection in regard to supplementary questions like this. The Deputy in the guise of a question makes allegations that are completely unfounded. I am not prepared to answer questions in the form as put by Deputy Treacy.
The Minister is abandoning his responsibilities.
I am calling Question No. 71.
The Minister is evading——
The Deputy will sit down. The Deputy will resume his seat.
The Minister for Health asked you, Sir, a question. Would you not care to comment on it?
There is no comment.
You did not answer the Minister, Sir.
The Minister is trying to evade his responsibilities.
Question No. 71.
Deputy Treacy should have recourse to the Standing Orders of this House if he considers my reply unsatisfactory. If he wishes to raise the matter on the Adjournment, I will deal with it.
Would the Minister answer Question No. 71, please?
In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the Minister's reply, I propose to raise the matter on the Adjournment of the House.
I shall communicate with the Deputy.
