asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether, before appointing the present chairman of the National Health Insurance Society, he ascertained if Most Reverend Dr. Dignan would be willing to continue acting as chairman.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Chairman of National Health Insurance Society.
The present chairman of the Committee of Management of the National Health Insurance Society was appointed by me in the due and proper exercise of the powers vested in the Minister for Local Government and Public Health by the Oireachtas. The Act governing the appointment does not prescribe any such procedure as is suggested by the Deputy's question, which does not therefore arise.
Is it a fact that Most Reverend Dr. Dignan did not receive any acknowledgment for his nine years' service in the National Health Insurance Society and that a demand was made on other members of the society that they should give a guarantee to carry out the Minister's orders in future?
That is not in the question.
Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply by the Parliamentary Secretary, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.
The subject matter of Question No. 44.