asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the urgent need which exists for at least two dispensary doctors in Clonmel; and if he will take steps to have these two positions filled providing, in accordance with the plans outlined in the White Paper on health, a choice of doctor for the dispensary patients in the area.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Clonmel Dispensary Doctors.
155.
I would refer the Deputy to my predecessor's replies of the 5th May, 1965, and of the 23rd June, 1966, to his questions on the subject.
The two posts of district medical officer in the Clonmel area are filled, one on a permanent basis, the other at present on a temporary basis. It has recently become possible for the health Authority to re-allocate the duties of the two posts so as to secure a more equitable distribution of the work-load and the Authority propose to do so in the next few weeks. This re-allocation should result in a better service for eligible patients in the town of Clonmel.
It would not be feasible to provide a general medical service with choice of doctor for eligible persons in the Clonmel area in advance of the general scheme for such service outlined in the White Paper on the Health Services.
Would the Minister say if it is true that the filling of vacancies for dispensary doctors is becoming more complicated and more difficult because of the fact that his Department are insisting that only those at present employed as dispensary doctors are entitled to apply for such vacancies?
I do not think it is relevant to this question.
But is it true?
I will not answer that.
I will put down a question next week and the Minister can answer that one.
Yes, I will be glad to. As a matter of practice, I am not particularly enamoured of answering questions which, by implication, suggest that a situation exists which does not in fact exist, particularly when the imputation is totally irrelevant to the question asked. I have no objection whatsoever to discussing this matter with Deputy Tully, either on an Estimate or as a result of a question. If he will put down a question, I will deal with it.
I was offering the House and the Minister an opportunity of saving time by answering "yes" or "no" to a question. I know the answer is "yes". The Minister might as well say it. I will put down a question next week.
I do not accept that the answer is "yes".