asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that there is no dispensary doctor in Glenamaddy, County Galway, at the moment; and if he is prepared to make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Galway Dispensary Doctor Vacancy.
19.
There has been no resident dispensary doctor in Glenamaddy dispensary district since the beginning of April. At that time a person had already been recommended to the health authority by the Local Appointments Commission for appointment to the permanent post. There was a possibility that he would take up duty any time up to 13th May. It is now clear that the expected appointment will not be made. The health authority is, accordingly, arranging to advertise for a further temporary appointment. Meanwhile, a service is being provided for eligible persons by a doctor from an adjoining district.
Can the Minister say how far away is the nearest doctor to provide this service?
Ballygar, the adjoining district.
Can the Minister state how far away he is in terms of miles?
I do not know how many miles.
That is a separate question.
Is the Minister aware of any hardship being caused in this dispensary area due to the lack of a dispensary doctor?
I have not had any complaints that I recall
Is the Minister aware that there is grave dissatisfaction in the West of Ireland, and particularly in the area I have mentioned, due to the fact that no dispensary doctors are being appointed?
I have dealt with all that.
Is the Minister further aware that Ballygar is a considerable distance from Glenamaddy? If you had to go to the other side of Glenamaddy you would go a distance of approximately 20 miles before meeting a doctor. Is the Minister prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure that these people get the health service to which they are entitled?
The advertisement for a temporary post is being issued by the health authority. I have dealt with the whole of this problem of the medical service which is being examined at the moment in the light of the negotiations with the Medical Association and the Medical Union for fee for service.
Is the Minister aware that, due to the fact that no permanent dispensary doctors are being appointed, the position in the West of Ireland is chaotic?
The question relates to one area. It relates to Glenamaddy.
The health legislation to which we are referring was promised prior to the 1965 General Election. Can the Minister now indicate when it will come into effect?
I have already answered that question, too. We hope to have the Health Bill and the scheme for fee for service introduced on April 1st, 1971. We have advertised for posts for medical officers having reviewed the situation and having realised that in certain areas it is not possible to wait for the fee for service arrangement or that there is not a sufficient number of doctors in the area. If the Deputy asks me a question I will tell him the number of posts that have been advertised.
Surely the Minister must be aware that promises were made——
Question No. 20 is postponed. I am calling Question No. 21.
May I ask the Minister why it is always a temporary post that is offered. Could he not provide some other incentive to encourage doctors to practise there? There will not be a free choice of doctor in that area.
The health authority considered it advisable to make it a temporary appointment.
Will the Minister agree that the ratio of "vets" to doctors is ten to one? There are more veterinary surgeons looking after bullocks than there are doctors looking after people.
Is the Minister aware that we have some fine dispensary doctors who are not appointed on a permanent basis and therefore they are losing their pension rights and other benefits? This should be examined immediately.
That is a separate question.
Question No. 20 postponed.