asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate the functions of the National Health Council which was appointed on the 3rd March, 1948, and held one meeting only on the 19th March, 1948, whether it is intended to hold any other meeting of this body; and, if not, if he will state the reason.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Health Council.
The function of the National Health Council as specified in Section 98 of the Health Act, 1947, is to give to the Minister for Health when so required by him advice on matters affecting or incidental to the health of the people. The National Health Council was established on the 3rd of March, 1948, and comprises 29 representatives, mainly nominated by the various professional and administrative bodies concerned in health matters. A meeting of the council was held on the 19th March, 1948, and further meetings will be held when it is considered that the advice of the council on major matters relating to health policy is required.
I have found that the advice and assistance required in connection with my powers and functions is usually of a special nature related to particular matters and, accordingly, I have from time to time availed of my powers under Section 98 of the Health Act, 1947, to establish special consultative councils for these purposes, e.g., the Consultative Cancer Council, the Consultative Council on Tuberculosis and the Consultative Child Health Council. The special councils have been of great assistance to me and I desire, again, to express my gratitude to the members of these councils for the valuable advice and assistance given by them.