Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 October 2004
134 Mr. Crawford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if her attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); her views on whether the circumstances caused serious trauma to their parent and family; if she will take steps to ensure this type of issue will be stopped and dealt with in a more sensitive way in the future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26507/04]
View answerGeneral practitioners who hold general medical services contracts with local health boards are obliged to make arrangements for contact with them or their locum or deputy, for emergencies, for all hours outside of normal surgery hours. They also must register their surgery contact details with the local health board. Responsibility for the provision of services for medical card holders, including general practitioner services is a matter for the chief executive officer of the relevant health board. Accordingly, my Department has referred this question to the chief executive officer of the North Eastern Health Board for investigation and direct reply.
