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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 2

Adjournment Debate. - Ophthalmic Service.

Michael Ring

Question:

304 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason there is no optician calling to the health centre in Ballinrobe, County Mayo; and when the health board intends to have this service restored to the Ballinrobe area. [18157/02]

The provision of ophthalmic services, and any matters relating to such provision, within its functional area, is a matter for the relevant health board or the Eastern Regional Health Authority, ERHA. In the case of the health centre in Ballinrobe this responsibility lies with the Western Health Board. I have been in contact with the Western Health Board and it has informed me that currently there is a sessional ophthalmologist, who provides services to Swinford, Castlebar and Westport.

Persons from the Ballinrobe area are currently being offered services with any of four community ophthalmic physicians in the area. Two permanent posts have been advertised and the closing date for receipt of applications was Thursday, 10 October 2002. Once the posts are filled the Western Health Board has informed me that it will be in a position to provide services in the Ballinrobe area.

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