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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 12 Jul 1961

Vol. 191 No. 5

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Blood Transfusions.

9.

asked the Minister for Health whether in connection with his undertaking in the Dáil of 15th June last he has considered the question of the blood supply and plasma necessary for transfusions with a view of securing a reduction in the financial burden which falls on people needing transfusions.

This matter is at present being examined in my Department and I hope to reach a decision on it soon.

Will the Minister say whether he has sent any notification of this matter to the I.M.A. or any other organisation involved?

I do not see what the I.M.A. have to do with it.

Is the Minister aware that it is public property at the moment that the Minister has already made a decision in this regard?

What is the Deputy talking about? I have not made any decision and surely I am in a better position than the Deputy to know.

I accept the Minister's word but is he aware that it is public property, as far as the doctors and other interested people are concerned, that the Minister has issued a new regulation to the effect that only the first two pints of blood will be paid for in future and over and above that the charge will be met by the Exchequer?

I think the Deputy has got his dates wrong.

The Minister has reversed the previous regulation whereby the first two pints of blood were free. Now there is a charge for the first two pints and the remainder are free.

No. Years ago changes were made but in my term of office no changes have been made.

Question No. 10.

This is an important matter, Sir.

All the questions are important. The Deputy has already asked four questions.

Is it not a fact that the situation up to recently was that the first two pints of blood or plasma were free and all over and above that had to be paid for? Has not that situation now been reversed? Now the first two pints are paid for and all the others are free.

I have made no change at any time since I became Minister.

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