andMr. Coughlan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a statement at a recent meeting of the Southern Health Board that certain guarantees were given in writing to permanent district medical officers that they could use the dispensary when the choice of doctor scheme came into operation; and if he will confirm this.

Former permanent district medical officers participating in the re-organised general medical service have been given a guarantee of continued access to dispensary premises, where these are maintained by the board as suitable for the service. The use of such premises is based on the understanding that there would be access to them by public and private patients alike. It is, however, open to a health board, in consultation with such doctors, to make other arrangements for the provision of services, otherwise than in dispensary premises.

Has the Minister received details of the state of the dispensaries in Ireland at present? Have these details been submitted to the Minister by the health boards?

There is no reason why they should be. This is a matter for consultation between the medical officers concerned and the health boards.