asked the Minister for Health whether he will arrange with Kerry County Council for the provision of teas at the County Hospital, Tralee for persons who travel up to 70 miles to the clinic attached to the hospital for investigations and x-rays, by ambulance and public transport.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Tralee Clinic Patients.
89.
I have been informed by Kerry County Council that the following arrangements operate for persons attending clinics at Tralee County Hospital who may require meals or refreshments:
1. A patient who travels to the clinic and is fasting is provided with a light meal.
2. A patient who comes a distance to the clinic for investigation is also provided with a light meal.
3. There is a vending machine at the clinic where tea, coffee and soup are sold.
Would the Minister say if these meals are subsidised by the State?
Yes.
Is the Minister aware that the Kerry County Council are in advance of most other health authorities, because in most counties the unfortunate people who have to travel long distances and wait all day for examination do not receive anything at all?
Kerry is not called the Kingdom for nothing.
Would the Minister recommend to other authorities that they should do something about it on humanitarian grounds?