asked the Minister for Health if he will state whether he has received proposals from the Laoighis county manager for the division of the existing dispensary district at Ballickmoyler, County Laoighis, and for the erection of a dispensary at the edge of the district; and, if so, what action he proposes to take in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Laoighis Dispensary District
I have not received proposals from the Laoighis county manager for the division of the existing dispensary district at Ballickmoyler, County Laoighis, or for the erection of a dispensary at the edge of the district.
In July last a proposal of the local authority for the erection of a dispensary and residence at Ballickmoyler was sanctioned. Following representations made to me as to the unsuitability of this location from the point of view of convenience of residents of the area, it was ascertained on inquiry from the local authority that the manager was reconsidering the matter. In September last the manager intimated that, after consideration, he was of opinion that the location originally proposed would be the most appropriate. He was asked in November last if he had taken into account the possibility that in order to provide a better health service for the people it might be necessary in the near future to alter the boundaries of the present Ballickmoyler dispensary district and, if so, whether the proposed location would be suitable in the altered circumstances. He replied back that he was again examining the matter, in consultation with members of the county council from the area, and would communicate with the Department. The further communication has not yet been received.
Is it not a fact that officials of the Department visited the area in the last few months and consulted a number of people and should have consulted other more representative people? Will the Minister say, with his own knowledge, whether it would be fair to erect a dispensary at the Swan while the distance from that particular place is so far away from the Carlow county boundary of the dispensary area?
I do not think it would be wise for me to express any opinion from the ground work of my own knowledge. I have given the Deputy all the information I can from the background of the official information. The last sentence of my reply was to the effect that the subject matters of the Deputy's question have been referred back to the local authority and that we are awaiting the reply.
Will the Minister say whether the officials of the Department itself who visited the area have made any report in the matter?
I shall get information on that and have it conveyed to the Deputy.