asked the Taoiseach if he will submit to Dáil Eireann in the near future a White Paper showing in broad outline the proposals which are in contemplation for the reorganisation and extension of the social services and, if so, whether he will indicate the order of priorities and the approximate date for the introduction of the several parts of the ultimate scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Reorganisation and Extension of Social Services.
In the course of the recent debate in the Dáil on a motion dealing with social services, I informed the House that the Government propose to publish a White Paper dealing with the reorganisation and extension of the existing public health and medical services. This White Paper is being prepared and will be published after it has been fully examined by the Departments concerned and considered by the Government.
In the same debate, I indicated that the Government had reached the conclusion that a new Department should be established to administer what I described as income maintenance services, and I stated the reasons on which this decision was based. I made it clear at the same time that, in deciding on this step, the Government did not take it as a matter of course that a considerable extension of the existing social services is practicable and I added that the extent to which these services can be developed must be related not only to the needs of the community but also to our resources. It is clear, therefore, that no question of the publication in this connection of a White Paper in the sense implied in the Deputy's question arises.
Details of any reorganisation of the social services which may be necessary can only be published when the new Minister has had an opportunity of examining the whole position and when his recommendations have been considered by the Government. Whether publication would be by means of a White Paper or otherwise I am not in a position to state at present.
Will the Taoiseach say when the White Paper is likely to be available and whether an opportunity will be given to discuss the White Paper, if a desire to discuss it is expressed in the House?
We had better deal with these matters as they arise. I cannot say definitely when the White Paper will be published. I expect it will not be very long, but I think we had better wait until it has been published before we take up the other questions.
Will the Taoiseach say whether any part of the White Paper will explain what is meant by "income maintenance"?
The sense of my reply has again not been understood. A White Paper is to be issued about public health services. I did not say that there was to be a White Paper about income maintenance services. What I have said is that it will only be when the new Minister has been appointed and is able to have the matter examined carefully and make representations to the Government that there will be publicity of the proposed plans.
In view of the matters being disclosed during discussion in the House with regard to the Government's attitude to wages and income, particularly in rural districts, would it not be advisable to issue a White Paper on the matter before setting up a special Ministry to deal with it?
I explained the circumstances which led the Government to decide on the new Ministry. I went into some detail to show the basis on which the decision was arrived at. That decision was come to mainly to enable somebody who would have that as his sole preoccupation, with a staff to examine these matters to see if it were possible to administer them more economically—we do not believe it likely at present, but at any rate, to have it examined. At any rate, the purpose was to have some one person with a staff who would advise the Government on all these issues, having had a complete and comprehensive survey made of them. The object of the Ministry is to secure the information in what we regard as the best way in which it can be secured—by a Minister. It will be one of his first jobs.
Is the Taoiseach not aware that, since then, it has been disclosed in debates in the House that the Government has adopted a policy with regard to the level at which rural wages are to be kept of which we previously knew nothing ?