asked the Minister for Health if he will state the number of dispensary districts in the western counties which are without a dispensary doctor; how long such posts have been vacant; and the steps he proposes to take to ensure that basic health amenities are available to the population of these counties.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Western Dispensary Doctors.
1.
There is no dispensary district for which a dispensary doctor has not been appointed.
As a result of a decision taken in 1965 to suspend further permanent appointments of dispensary doctors about one third of all dispensary doctors now hold their appointments on a temporary basis pending the introduction of the proposed new general medical service with maximum possible choice of doctor. This applies to the western counties as much as to the rest of the country.
I hope that agreement will soon be reached with the representatives of the doctors about the terms and conditions for the new service which will make it attractive enough to draw doctors to reside in all districts in order to be able to participate in the service. It is intended that salaried appointments will be made in areas where choice of doctors is not feasible, including much of the area of the western counties. The extent of the districts to be served by the new salaried appointments will be closely examined in every case. The new districts will not necessarily coincide with existing dispensary districts and the requirements of areas where one dispensary doctor has at present to serve two districts will be carefully examined.
Could the Minister state the number of dispensaries in western counties which have vacancies and where there is no dispensary doctor in a temporary capacity?
I could not state the exact number. The Deputy may ask a question about it. These dispensary districts are served by a neighbouring doctor.
The question asked was in relation to the number of dispensary districts in western counties which are without a dispensary doctor.
There is none where there is not a doctor providing a service.