asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that many dispensaries throughout the country are in a derelict condition and are unfit for the attendance of patients on dispensary days, for the local dispensary doctor and as a centre for keeping medicine; and what action he intends to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Condition of Dispensaries.
4.
The maintenance of dispensaries is, in the first instance, a matter for health authorities. While my Department advised, on the publication of the White Paper on the Health Services, that major capital expenditure should not be incurred on dispensaries which will not be generally required when the choice of doctor scheme is introduced, health authorities were advised at the same time that existing clinics and dispensaries should continue to be properly maintained. In some cases where conditions in existing dispensaries were unsatisfactory health authorities have sought temporary accommodation as an interim solution.
Major capital expenditure on the replacement or reconstruction of such dispensaries would not be justified at this stage.
Is the Minister aware that a decision has been made in principle in the new White Paper that no capital cost will be incurred? He will be aware that it will have the effect that these dispensaries will fall into further disuse. They are uncomfortable enough as it is. Will the Minister say that there must be clear notice of intent by the local authorities because at the moment people are in totally unsuitable conditions in these dispensaries?
The Deputy knows we hope to have the Health Act in operation by April 1st, 1971. We are continuing to have a look at this and we have suggested new and improved facilities for a number of dispensaries in remote rural areas. The idea is that the dispensary doctors and the doctors who come under the choice of doctor system will do their work in their own dispensaries in their private residences. In some instances, of course, the dispensary doctor lives in a residence where there is already a dispensary and that should be kept in good order.