asked the Minister for Health the amount to the credit of the Hospitals Sweepstakes Fund at 1st January, 1958, 1959, 1960 and 1961.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospitals Sweepstakes Fund.
9.
The amounts standing to the credit of the Hospitals Trust Fund on the dates specified were as follows:—
|
£ |
|
|
1st January, 1958 |
606,248 |
|
1st January, 1959 |
1,631,931 |
|
1st January, 1960 |
2,765,646 |
|
1st January, 1961 |
4,258,908 |
Against the balance of £4,258,908 in the Fund on 1st January, 1961, there were outstanding commitments as follows:—
(i) Balances on foot of deficits of the voluntary hospitals in respect of the years 1959 and 1960, totalling over £800,000 made up of over £380,000 in respect of the year 1959, most of which has been paid since the date mentioned and the balance in respect of the year 1960 which will mature for payment in the next six months or thereabouts. (I might mention in passing that it was necessary to hypothecate a sum of £1½ million in respect of deficit payments in each of the financial years 1960/61 and 1961/62);
(ii) A sum of over £1 million in respect of capital works completed or in progress but not fully paid for; and
(iii) A sum estimated at £4½ millions in respect of works which it has been decided should be allowed to proceed and which are at or approaching tender stage or which are at an advanced stage of planning or re-planning.
In addition to the foregoing commitments, it will be necessary to undertake, as quickly as the financial position will permit, certain other necessary works included in the ten years programme initiated in 1948 which had to be deferred because of lack of funds.
In the light of these considerations, it will be appreciated that the position of the Fund, having regard to its short-term commitments and long-term obligations, is still not secure.
Apart from this, I am satisfied that substantial provision must be made in the near future to increase further the accommodation for institutional care of the mentally handicapped and to improve, and where necessary reconstruct, our mental hospitals.