asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he is now in a position to say whether a decision has been arrived at on the question of providing additional benefits for insured persons under the National Health Insurance Acts and, if a decision has not been arrived at, whether he can give an assurance that one will be expedited so as to ensure that the additional benefits provided will be made available as at the commencement of next benefit year on July 7th, 1941.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Health Insurance Benefits.
The proposal involves additional charges upon the Exchequer and its examination from that standpoint has not yet been concluded. The only assurance I can give at present is that a decision will be expedited.
Does the Parliamentary Secretary not appreciate the desirability of that decision being arrived at before the new benefit year commences on the 7th July? Am I to assume that no additional benefits will now be payable before the new benefit year commences?
I do not think it would be wise to assume that the benefits will be available before the 1st July.
May I assume that they will be available even after the commencement of the new benefit year?
It would be safer not to assume anything.
Am I to take it then that, in fact, additional benefits may not be available during the benefit year commencing on the 7th July?
That is quite, possible.