Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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Question 482: To ask the Minister for Health if out-of-hours doctor services are required by his Department or the Health Service Executive to carry oximeters; his view on whether there is a need to carry these instruments as an aid to carrying out diagnoses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28432/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Neither my Department or the HSE has a role in the equipment that doctors carry in the course of their out of hours duties. GPs under take four years postgraduate training, two of which are based in a GP practice setting. This training, in conjunction with the Medical Council's requirements on maintaining professional competence, for diagnosing and treating patients, help ensure that GPs are aware of instruments which are appropriate for patient care.