asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the permanent post of Medical Officer in Schull Hospital, County Cork, and the dispensary district has now been vacant for twenty-one months; if he will indicate the reasons for the delay in making this appointment; and at what date it is proposed to make the appointment.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Schull (Cork) Medical Officer.
4.
I am aware that the post in question has been filled in a temporary capacity for the period mentioned.
The future organisation of medical services in this area has been under consideration. I am not yet in a position to state when a decision will be arrived at.
I should emphasise that the people of the district have not been deprived of an efficient service by reason of the consideration which it has been necessary to give to this matter.
Does the Minister consider that it is fair and just to have had this permanent post vacant for the past 21 months?
The Deputy is under a misapprehension. That post has not been vacant. It has been filled in a temporary capacity.
"In a temporary capacity." The people are anxious to have it filled permanently. Will the Minister go further and state what proposed adjustments are to be made in that area so far as the appointment of a dispensary doctor or medical officer to the hospital are concerned? None whatever. I went there myself and I should know better than the Minister.
I am sure the Deputy knows many things better than I do. However, Schull and its neighbouring district of Goleen appear to be exceedingly small for each to carry a separate dispensary.
And does it take 21 months to reach a decision?
No. I do not reach a decision on this matter. I reach it on proposals submitted to me. I understand such proposals will be forthcoming.