asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that the Minister for Health in Northern Ireland is reported to have said in the Northern Commons on 14th February, 1963 that the general health services in Éire are below the level in Northern Ireland, and that one could envisage the day when the standard might be raised in Éire; and whether he has any statement to make in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Standard of Health Services.
4.
I do not accept that, in relation to health services essential for the prolongation of life or the restoration of health, the standard in this part of Ireland is inferior to that in the northern part of the country. It may be the position that a particular speciality is, marginally, better developed in the north than it is here, but the converse would also be the case.
The statements quoted in the question were made in the context of the case of a young man from the northern part of the country injured in a playing field accident here. This young man has been, and is still, under treatment at the National Rehabilitation Centre at Dún Laoghaire. I am advised that this Centre offers facilities for treatment for injuries of this nature which are not available elsewhere in Ireland.
Having mentioned an individual case, I am sure that Deputies would wish me to assure the patient and his family of our sympathy and of our hope that his recovery may be speedy and complete.