75 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Health when a proper dispensary will be provided in an area (details supplied) in County Wexford for a health board doctor; and if he will ensure that the necessary capital resources are available for this purpose as soon as possible.

The provision of accommodation for general practitioners who provide services for eligible patients under the General Medical Services contract is a matter between the doctor concerned and the relevant health board in the first instance.

I have had inquiries made of the South Eastern Health Board and the position is that the doctor concerned operates from three practice locations. A Practice Premises Grant will be paid, in accordance with the terms of the GMS contract, for work carried out at the first of these locations as soon as the board receives the necessary invoice documentation. The board is in discussion with local community groups with a view to providing suitable accommodation at the second location and I am informed that there is no dispute regarding the adequacy of the accommodation at the third location.

The board has informed me that the doctor in question has been provided with a substantial amount of equipment for use in the course of his contract work.