asked the Minister for Health whether his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) that the cost of health services in Dublin is much higher than in other counties comprising the Eastern Health Board region; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Health Services Cost.
49.
I am aware of the report to which the Deputy refers. It related to a statement made by an officer of my Department in which he was not referring to the cost of the health services in general but specifically to the cost of medicines prescribed in the Eastern Health Board area for persons entitled to free family doctor services. The figures given were annual estimates based on the actual figures for the operation of the new general medical services scheme during the period May to July last.
I would like to take this further opportunity to express my concern at the high rate of usage of medicines in the Dublin area revealed by these figures. It is, of course, directly related to the excessively high demand for free general practitioner services in the city and is a problem which is the subject of continuing discussion between my Department, the Eastern Health Board and the medical organisations.