asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether he proposes to authorise the unified society to provide for insured persons, as additional benefits under the Health Insurance Acts, dental and optical treatment and, if so, whether he will indicate when it is proposed that such additional benefits should become effective.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Health Insurance Acts.
asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state whether he has considered the desirability of prescribing a new basis of valuation under the National Health Insurance Acts in respect of the unified society.
I propose to answer questions Nos. 2 and 3 together. The provision of additional benefits would depend on the availability of moneys to finance the scheme. The question of altering the financial system of National Health Insurance is under consideration, but it has not been possible to arrive at a decision as the actuary has not yet furnished his report.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether any proposal has been submitted to him for the provision of additional non-cash benefits, and can he say at this stage what the proposals are and whether they are likely to be sanctioned?
The proposals are under consideration, but particulars of a scheme cannot be decided in advance until the question of the amount of money available for financing such a scheme has been determined. That cannot be determined until the actuary's report has been received. I cannot in such circumstances indicate in advance the particulars of any such scheme that may be formulated.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether there is likely to be an early announcement regarding the provision of these additional non-cash benefits which have ceased to operate for the past few years with considerable loss to the insured contrifcutors?
It is hoped to submit proposals for the consideration of the Government within the next couple of months.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say what body is giving consideration to this matter at present?
The Local Government Department.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say whether the proposals when submitted will require Parliamentary sanction?
I should think so.