asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will state when the promised White Paper, containing the reasons for the Government's refusal to accept the proposals of the former chairman of the National Health Insurance Society (Most Rev. Dr. Dignan) for a scheme of national health insurance, and putting forward the Government's own proposals for a reorganisation and extension of the existing public health and medical services, is likely to be issued.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Health Insurance Scheme.
The draft of the White Paper outlining the Government's proposals for a reorganisation and extension of the existing public health and medical services is in an advanced state of preparation, but progress has been hindered by the pressure of legislative and other work on both the Parliamentary Secretary and myself. Whilst I cannot say definitely when it will be published, I expect it will be possible to issue it at an early date.