asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the urgent need for further medical service in Clonmel; if he will now appoint two dispensary doctors for the Clonmel area; and if, in accordance with the principles laid down in the White Paper on the Health Services, he will ensure that patients in Clonmel have a choice of doctor.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clonmel Medical Services.
56.
Mr. O'Malley
I would refer the Deputy to my reply of 5th May, 1965, to his question on the subject. Up to the present it has not been possible to implement the proposed amalgamation of the Clonmel No. 1 and No. 2 dispensary districts as the district medical officer for the No. 2 district, who reached the age limit last year, was retained in a temporary capacity. He is, however, vacating his post next month and the health authority propose to assign duties to his successor in portion of the No 1 district in addition to the No. 2 district, so as to ensure, as far as possible, an equitable distribution of eligible persons in Clonmel between the two district medical officers serving the area.
As regards the position under the proposed general medical service with choice of doctor, the number of doctors already in practice in Clonmel would appear to be sufficient to ensure a choice of doctor for eligible persons in the area.
When the Minister says "eligible persons," I take it he is referring to those categories of persons in the middle income group who are not holders of medical cards?
Mr. O'Malley
Choice of doctor, as the Deputy will appreciate, has not yet been implemented. The different categories will have to be discussed in the House.