andMr. Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will take steps to ensure that adequate medical services will be made available to the residents of Sixmilebridge, County Clare, and in the surrounding districts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. - County Clare Medical Services.
8.
The provision of general medical services for persons covered by medical cards in this area is a matter in the first instance for the Mid-Western Health Board. They have tried unsuccessfully to get a doctor who would reside in Sixmilebridge but, as I told Deputies in response to an earlier question, I am informed by the board that the alternative arrangements made for the provision of services for eligible patients in the area are operating satisfactorily.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that people living in this area are finding it almost impossible to get a doctor to come out at night in emergencies, and that there have been several complaints about this matter? Is he aware of that, despite what the Mid-Western Health Board have said?
The first obligation of the Department of Health and the Mid-Western Health Board is to medical card holders, and my information is that there have been no complaints from medical card holders, in this area.
Would the Parliamentary Secretary consider removing the restriction which prohibits doctors with less than two years' practice from participating under the Health Act, and would he agree that if this were removed it would be far easier to get young doctors to live in the area?
That seems to be a separate question.
Would the Minister have the removal of this restriction considered?
That is a completely separate question.