asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the difficulty experienced by the residents of the Bohernabreena area, County Dublin in obtaining services of a doctor when required; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Dublin Medical Services.
7.
Health Boards are responsible for arranging general practitioner medical services for the holders of medical cards. I am informed that the Eastern Health Board is not aware that medical card holders have any difficulty in obtaining these services in this area.
I do not think the reply relates fully to the question.
My responsibility and that of the Eastern Health Board is to provide medical practitioners for those who hold medical cards. It is not my responsibility, as far as I am aware, to ensure that there would be a general practitioner available for those who would not be in that group.
Further arising from the Minister's reply——
I have said in the reply that there has been no complaint and there seems to be adequate coverage for those in receipt of medical cards. If the Deputy could give me a little more information, either now or privately, certainly I will have the matter investigated. It appears to me that what the Deputy is concerned about is a private practice.
This is a very rural area. There are no telephones in the area. They tried to get some telephone kiosks and as a result of this they have experienced considerable difficulty. Would the Minister arrange to have a deputation met by some of his officials in the matter?
I do not know what use could come of such a deputation. I am not adverse to receiving deputations or to asking my officials to receive them, but I do not see what I or any of my officials can do to induce any private practitioner to go to a certain area.
Surely the Minister must have some responsibility as regards the welfare of the people seeking medical services? Surely there must be some responsibility somewhere?
There is but that is the concern and responsibility of the health board. My responsibility is to ensure that those who come under the GMS scheme are provided for. I do not know whether the Deputy can verify this but they are being catered for. I cannot tell a doctor in private practice that he must go here, there or anywhere else. He will go where he finds it attractive. The attraction of the GMS scheme is the size of population and the potential income. I do not want to put the Deputy off but it seems to me that the professional associations might be approached rather than the Department of Health.
It was the local community association who were in touch with me. Perhaps if I arranged for them to telephone the Minister's office or his private secretary, something could be arranged that would afford them some hope of doing something. It is a sad situation that in an area very close to Dublin people are unable to get the services of a doctor when required.
Surely the doctor responsible for the treatment of a patient under the GMS would be available in the district for private practice also? The Deputy made a request and I have no objection to his making an approach to me through my officials to meet a deputation to see if the matter can be resolved.
However, I would warn the Deputy it is not my responsibility or the responsibility of the Eastern Health Board.