asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that 62 dispensary doctors employed by Dublin Health Authority are sufficient to cater for the needs of 116,264 persons covered by medical cards issued by that Authority; and, if not, what he proposes to do as a matter of urgency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Dispensary Doctors.
114.
The employment of sufficient district medical officers is a matter in the first instance for the Dublin Health Authority.
I wish to emphasise that the figure of 62 dispensary doctors mentioned by the Deputy relates only to the Dublin city area; the total number of dispensary doctors employed by the Dublin Health Authority in the city and county is 83.
The Health Authority regularly review the workload of the district medical officers in the light of changes in the numbers covered by medical cards and attendances at dispensaries in each area, and, where necessary, they adjust the allocation of doctors.
I have not refused any request from the Health Authority for extra posts of district medical officer and I understand that they consider the present level of one doctor for every 1,875 eligible persons in the city area is satisfactory.
In the circumstances, I do not consider that any action on my part is required.