asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware that the Department of Social Welfare no longer makes any payment in respect of the treatment of insured workers who attend the Dublin Rheumatism Clinic and that the Dublin Corporation disclaim responsibility in the matter, and, if so, if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Rheumatism Clinic.
The Department of Social Welfare ceased in August, 1954, to be liable for the cost of physiotherapy treatment provided for insured persons, when in pursuance of the provisions of the Health Act, 1953, and of the special interim arrangements made under the Health Act, 1954, services for such persons became the responsibility of health authorities. When Section 15 of the Health Act, 1953, was brought into operation in full on 31st March, 1956, insured persons and their dependents became eligible for a wide range of institutional and specialist services but physiotherapy services do not come within the scope of the specialist services available under the Act for out-patients, and the Dublin Corporation are consequently not at present in a position to assume responsibility in this matter. I am examining the question of physiotherapy services, and I hope to come to an early arrangement which will resolve any difficulties experienced by the Dublin Rheumatism Clinic.