Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 1927

Vol. 18 No. 5

ORDERS OF THE DAY. - VOTE 43—NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE COMMISSION.

Mr. BLYTHE

I beg to move:—

Go ndeontar Suim Bhreise ná raghaidh thar Dheich bPúint chun íoctha an Mhuirir a thiocfidh chun bheith iníoctha i rith na bliana dar críoch an 31adh lá de Mhárta, 1927, chun Tuarastail agus Costaisí an Choimisiúin Arachais agus chun Ilsíntiúisí agus Ildeontaisí mar gheall ar Chostas Sochar agus Costaisí Riaracháin fé sna hAchtanna um Arachas Sláinte Náisiúnta, 1911 go 1925 (maraon le Deontaisí áirithe i gCabhair).

That a Supplementary Sum not exceeding Ten Pounds be granted to defray the Charge which will come in course of payment during the year ending on the 31st day of March. 1927, for the Salaries and Expenses of the Insurance Commission and for Sundry Contributions and Grants in respect of the Cost of Benefits and Expenses of Administration under the National Health Insurance Acts, 1911-25 (including certain Grants-in-Aid).

Mr. BURKE

In accordance with statute a contribution is made from State Funds of a proportion of the sickness, disablement and maternity benefits which are distributed. The liabilities accruing in this respect during the current financial year are greater than estimated a year ago, as the approved societies are distributing larger sums in benefits than was anticipated; and it therefore becomes necessary to ask for an increased grant-in-aid to enable the State to meet its obligation. Further, since the original Estimate was presented the results of the periodic valuation of approved societies have become available. A surplus was disclosed and additional benefits became payable from the 1st July last, to which the State has to make its contribution. The additional amount required to meet these two obligations is estimated to be £14,500 in the current year.

A small sum is also required to meet the cost of the Medical Referee Service from the 1st of January to the 31st March, 1927, such cost ceasing to be a charge on Insurance Funds as from the 31st December last. It is anticipated, however, that there will be savings on the Vote generally to meet the greater portion of the above sums and so a Token Vote of £10 only is asked for.

Question put and agreed to.

Ordered that progress be reported.

The Dáil went out of Committee.

Progress reported. Committee to sit again, Tuesday, 22nd February, 1927.

The Dáil adjourned at 8.5 p.m.