asked the Minister for Local Government whether he is aware that local authorities who have adopted Part III of the Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1948, are precluded from stamping national health insurance cards in respect of persons described as "servants" under the Act; and, if so, whether he will state what provision, if any, is made for these persons when absent from work due to sickness.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Health Insurance.
An employee of a local authority whose name is entered on the register of established servants maintained under Part III of the Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1948, is excluded from compulsory insurance under the National Health Insurance Acts only where he is in fully continuous employment. An explanatory circular was issued to local authorities in March last. I am, however, aware that the position requires further consideration and it will be reviewed in connection with the legislation to implement the Government's proposals for a scheme of social security.
Will the Minister give consideration to any cases of hardship which may possibly arise between now and the introduction of this legislation? Will something be done to meet the cases of persons who become affected by the Local Authority Superannuation Act who are deprived of their right to have national health insurance paid for them by the local authorities, particularly in cases where they fall sick and get no sick pay from any source?
Whatever my interest or sympathy may be, I cannot interfere with the statutory power until legislation comes to the rescue.