asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state whether a decision has yet been arrived at on the question of providing additional benefits to insured contributors under the National Health Insurance Acts.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Benefits under National Health Insurance Acts.
A decision has not yet been taken on this matter.
Will the Parliamentary Secretary say when it is likely a decision will be arrived at? He will recall that on the 16th October last he said it was hoped to put up proposals for the consideration of the Government within the next couple of months.
The consideration of the proposals is well advanced.
The Deputy describes these as additional benefits, but, in a great many instances, those benefits existed previously and were withdrawn.
This is a matter of vital importance to insured contributors who, as the Parliamentary Secretary knows, are now down to a purely cash benefit of 15/- per week, with no additional benefits and no provision for curative treatment. Will the Parliamentary Secretary intimate to the House when it is likely those proposals will be considered and decided by the Government?
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that a statement emanated from the National Health Insurance Society that they were prepared to put this scheme into operation in June next, and will he say if agreement to the scheme will be forthcoming so as to permit of that promise being carried out?
I can only say that the proposals are under active consideration at the present time and that a decision will be reached as soon as possible.