asked the Minister for Health if he is in a position to indicate when the hospital and other services will be made available to insured persons under the Health Act, 1953.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Act Services.
I am at present in consultation with the various interested parties with a view to having the various services brought into operation at the earliest possible date. I regret that I am not in a position to state precisely at this stage what that date will be.
When I put down a question previously on this matter, the Minister indicated that the scheme would not be likely to be in operation before 1st April. Is it still possible to have it about that time or is it likely that the scheme will be further delayed?
All I can say is that it is not likely before 1st April.
Does the Minister hope to keep that target?
I am trying to keep that target.
I appreciate that the Minister is trying to keep to that target. Will he state now if he could indicate when the hospital services alone will be made available to insurance contributors?
I could not.
That is the most urgent aspect. Could the Minister say when I could put another question to obtain more precise information?
Perhaps in a month's time.