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Dáil Éireann - Volume 238 - 26 February, 1969

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Charges on Rates.

60. Mr. L. Belton and Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health when he hopes to complete discussions with the Minister for Finance regarding the stabilising of health charges on rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Mr. S. Flanagan): As the Deputies know, I have asked health authorities to reexamine ther estimates of expenditure for 1969-70 to try to achieve substantial reductions. I will make a statement on the matter when I have received their replies.

Mr. Donegan: Could the Minister state in what particular fields he seeks substantial reductions and how Members of this House who are also members of local authorities can achieve this laudable object, because as a member of a local authority myself, I cannot see how any substantial reductions can be made?

Mr. S. Flanagan: It is a matter of money as the Deputy knows.

[1728] Mr. Donegan: Could the Minister indicate to us if it is within hospitals or outside hospitals he seeks these substantial reductions? Is it in respect of people who are entitled to services under the 1963 Health Act? Is it in the middle income group or the lower income group? Where are these reductions to be sought?

An Ceann Comhairle: This does not arise.

Mr. Donegan: It is not only a matter of money. I want to be told by the Minister how we can help?

Mr. James Tully: The Minister says this matter can be considered when he gets the replies. How does he expect local authorities that have to strike the rate on Monday next, and have to put 2/- to 4/- extra on the rates, to make reductions which would add as much more again on to the rate bill?

Mr. S. Flanagan: I appreciate the Deputy's point of view.

Mr. Corish: The Minister said this is a matter of money. Is he therefore suggesting that this means, in effect, that the bad health services we have may be disimproved from next year?

Mr. O'Hara: Is the Minister aware of a proposal in Mayo to increase the rates by 18/- in the £? Could the Minister communicate with Mayo County Council and let us know in Mayo what is our position?

As Ceann Comhairle: I am calling Question No. 61.

Mr. S. Flanagan: As I said in my reply, I asked the health authorities to look into the situation in which the cost of the health services—Deputy Corish says they are very bad, but I do not agree——

Mr. Corish: Why is the Minister bringing in a new Health Bill if that is the case?

Mr. S. Flanagan: ——on the ratepayers is £4½ million more than last year. The purpose of the exercise was to ask them if they could examine all the various items in their estimates to see if they could achieve reductions. I am awaiting their replies on that.

[1729] Mr. Cosgrave: Would the Minister say if he expects to communicate with the health authorities before they strike their rates?

Mr. S. Flanagan: No. I would hope they would strike the rates first and go through the exercise of examining each item in the estimate to see if there is anything, without prejudice to the patients, which can be cut.

An Ceann Comhairle: Question No. 61.

Mr. Cosgrave: They would be striking the rates without knowing what would happen.

Mr. Donegan: What about the members of the local authority who have to strike the rates?

An Ceann Comhairle: This cannot become a discussion. I am calling Question No. 61.

Mr. Donegan: This is a very important matter.

An Ceann Comhairle: It may be very important but I am calling Question No. 61.

Mr. S. Flanagan: Nobody knows better than Members of this House who are members of local authorities that striking the rates is not an exact exercise.

Mr. James Tully: Oh yes; otherwise it is fraudulent.

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