asked the Minister for Health whether it is proposed to open night dispensaries at Ballyfermot, Drimnagh, Crumlin and Kimmage; and, if so, when.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Night Dispensaries in Dublin Areas.
12.
The holding of night dispensaries at the centres mentioned by the Deputy would be a matter for the Dublin Health Authority in the first instance and I have received no proposal for the holding of such dispensary sessions from that body.
Evening dispensary sessions were held in the North Crumlin Health Centre at Curlew Road from 1951 until the end of 1956. They did not, however, prove a success and it was found that the numbers coming to them gradually dropped down to eight; it was also established that some of the patients attending in the evening could have attended the morning sessions. In view of this, the Health Authority decided to discontinue the sessions as from the 31st December, 1956.
The Minister said it is a matter for the health authorities. Nevertheless he gave information, so I shall take advantage of that information to give the Minister further information. I shall put it this way: is the Minister aware that a large number of people, who have blue cards but nevertheless are employed, do not go to the day clinic because they would lose half a day's work, and they do not go to the day clinic for medicines for the same reason—they would lose another half day's work? If the Minister is requested by the health authorities to do so, will he consider those two points? Has the Minister heard me?
I have. Whether I understand the Deputy is another matter.
I shall raise it with the health authorities, or perhaps Deputy Carroll will do so.
I was going to suggest that the Deputy should raise it with the health authorities. The Deputy must bear in mind that it is scarcely fair to the other ratepayers to expect them to continue to keep dispensaries open if only eight persons turn up in the evening some of whom could come in the morning.
That was four or five years ago.