asked the Minister for Health if he will state the approximate number of persons who are entitled to free medical services in the dispensary districts of (a) Ballyfermot/Clondalkin, (b) Finglas, (c) Dún Laoghaire, (d) Blackrock and (e) Crumlin, the approximate number of district medical officers employed in each area, and the average number of persons allocated to each officer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Medical Services.
I am informed by the local authorities concerned that, as details of the persons on the General Medical Services Register are not kept separately for dispensary districts, the information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. It is now being compiled, however, and I shall forward it to the Deputy when I receive it.
Is the Minister aware that it is very difficult for a limited number of doctors to provide the necessary services for the very large number of persons who come to them in these dispensary districts?
I have not any information to bear out the suggestion in that question. Perhaps the Deputy had better wait until I send him the figure.