asked the Minister for Health if he will enumerate and name, stating the purpose and function of each one, the several advisory or consultative councils, commissions, committees and similar bodies appointed by him since 1st June, 1954.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Advisory Councils and Similar Bodies: Health.
Major de Valera
In accordance with the Government's policy of obtaining the best advice available and of full consultation and co-operation with interested groups, four bodies of the type mentioned have been set up, viz.:—
(1) The Advisory Body on Voluntary Health Insurance was set up in January, 1955, to advise on the feasibility of introducing a scheme of voluntary health insurance. The Voluntary Health Insurance Bill at present before the Oireachtas is based on the report of this body.
(2) A committee on overcrowding of mental hospitals was set up in March, 1955, to consider how the problem of overcrowding in such hospitals could be relieved. A preliminary report has been received and appropriate action in regard to certain of the matters dealt with has been taken.
(3) A food advisory committee was set up in September, 1955, to advise on the measures which might be necessary to prevent the use of harmful ingredients, etc., in the manufacture, etc., of foods. The first report of the committee was received recently and is under consideration.
(4) The National Organisation for Rehabilitation was set up in November, 1955, to advise the Minister for Health and local authorities in regard to the rehabilitation of disabled persons, to co-ordinate existing rehabilitation activities and, in appropriate cases, to undertake itself the rehabilitation of disabled persons.