asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the closure of the child welfare clinic at Shankill, County Dublin; and if he will take immediate action to have the clinic reopened and to establish reasonable fees for the medical officer whose fee was only 10s per two hour afternoon session for seven years up to recently and who over the years refused such fee.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Shankill (Dublin) Child Welfare Clinic.
1.
The Dublin Health Authority is solely responsible for the location of clinics within its functional area. I understand from the health authority that the clinic in Shankill was mainly an immunisation clinic. The immunisation will in future be carried out by the district medical officer as part of his normal duties at his weekly sessions at the dispensary.
In view of the new arrangements for immunisations, the health authority consider that a separate clinic at Shankill for children is not necessary.
Is the Minister aware that there are some 40 families affected by this decision and can he say where these immunisations are to be carried out by the medical officer?
As I understand it, there are 12 sessions a month for immunisation at Cabinteely. I have no control over the activities of Dublin Health Authority in regard to this matter. It was decided to close down this particular clinic——
Is the Minister aware of the considerable hardship involved here? Shankill is quite a considerable distance from Cabinteely. Would the Minister use his influence with the Dublin Health Authority and ask them to reconsider their decision in the light of the answer he has just given?
I shall draw the attention of Dublin Health Authority to what the Deputy has said.
Arising from the closure of such clinics, could we ask the Minister if he would be prepared to urge health authorities that where a summary closure is decided on, in order to enable parents to be aware of such developments, that at least residents' associations——
The question relates to one clinic at Shankill. It does not open up a discussion on other clinics. Question No. 2.