asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to appoint a permanent medical officer to Athboy dispensary area, County Meath; and, if so, how soon such appointment can be made.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Meath Medical Officer.
7.
Discussions on the proposed reorganised general medical service are at present taking place between my Department and representatives of the medical profession. Pending the outcome of these discussions, I am not in a position to take a decision about the filling on a permanent basis of further vacancies for district medical officers.
I might add that the Athboy Dispensary District is at present served by a temporary medical officer who is living in the area.
Has the Minister decided whether he will agree in certain areas to have dispensary doctors appointed to replace existing temporary doctors or will he, as was originally suggested, do away entirely with dispensary doctors?
I have already explained to the House that there are certain areas where we have advertised for permanent medical officers where we think that the choice of doctor principle would not alter the situation in the area. There are other areas where the advertising of posts is being suspended pending new negotiations with the IMA and the Medical Union. These negotiations will end shortly and I hope that we can agree on matters with the profession and that then there will be a referendum among the members of the IMA and the Irish Medical Union. If the referendum shows approval of the revised proposals, then there will be a known date for the introduction of a choice of doctor system some time next year and then it will be possible for us to go through the list of areas where there may be still some doubt as to whether with the choice of doctor system there is an adequate coverage of medical card patients in the area.
Has the Minister received any complaints about the service in this district or districts like it?
I have received no complaints about the activities of the doctors who serve in a temporary capacity in the area.