I beg to move the Second Reading of the National Health Insurance Bill, 1923. I explained the parts of the Bill on the last day at some length. It is one of those Bills which is necessitated by the setting up of the Saorstát. I think it is unnecessary to say anything further at this stage, and I formally move the Second Reading.
NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE BILL, 1923.—SECOND STAGE.
I think that the Bill is one that is not only required, but is very urgently required to be passed, and I think, inasmuch as it is mainly a transfer of existing provisions, I have no observations to make on the Second Stage.
I should have apologised for not having introduced the Bill earlier, but it is one of those cases which, owing to other matters which had to be taken up earlier, we were not able to deal with before.
Question: "That the National Health Insurance Bill, 1923, be read a Second Time," put and agreed to.
Would the Minister say what is the position if the Seanad does not meet next week, and this Bill does not become law before the 1st of July? I take it that the work that is being done without authority for the last six or eight months will continue to be done.
I suppose it would, but I will ask the Seanad to meet next week in order to pass this Bill.
Third Stage ordered for Friday, the 15th June.