Dáil Éireann - Volume 267 - 17 July, 1973

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospitals Commission.

Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell

28. Dr. O'Connell asked the Minister for Health his plans for the Hospitals Commission.

Minister for Health (Mr. Corish) Brendan Corish

Minister for Health (Mr. Corish): I intend, under section 42 of the Health Act, 1970, to make an order for the dissolution of the Hospitals Commission in the near future.

Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell

977

Dr. O'Connell: Who will take over [977] the function of disbursing the funds of the Hospitals Trust?

Mr. Corish Mr. Corish

Mr. Corish: The Department of Health.

Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell

Dr. O'Connell: Will Comhairle na nOispidéal take over the other functions of the Hospitals Commission?

Mr. Corish Mr. Corish

Mr. Corish: I do not know whether I can answer that question. All I know is that the Hospitals Commission has been given certain functions. Whether they are identical with those of Comhairle na nOspidéal I could not say. Their main function was to disburse funds for hospital buildings and equipment and provide grants towards deficits in the voluntary hospitals.

Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell

Dr. O'Connell: They also had the power of approving appointments in hospitals.

An Ceann Comhairle Seán Treacy

An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy is making a statement. He is not asking a question.

Dr. O'Connell Dr. O'Connell

Dr. O'Connell: I have not finished. Will this function be assigned to any particular body?

Mr. Corish Mr. Corish

Mr. Corish: It certainly will not be assigned to the departmental officials. I said the Department will take over the functions of the Hospitals Commission. I do not think they include appointments, as the Deputy suggests.

Dáil Éireann 267 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Hospitals Commission.

Questions

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