asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the fact that there is no prospect of an early report or recommendations from the Select Committee on Health Services, he will now take immediate steps to raise the £800 upper limit for the middle income group to at least £1,000 per annum.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Services Income Limit.
9.
The question appears to be based on the misconception that the health services provided for in the Health Act, 1953 for what is generally known as the "middle income group" are available only to persons whose incomes do not exceed £800 a year.
These services are available to all persons insured under the Social Welfare Acts and their dependants. All persons engaged in manual work under a contract of service are compulsorily insured irrespective of income; and as regards those engaged in non-manual work, they can continue their insurance voluntarily, and consequently their eligibility under the Health Acts, when they pass the limit of £800 a year for compulsory insurance.
The services are also available to farmers whose rateable valuations do not exceed £50, again irrespective of income.
They are available to pupils of national schools in respect of defects discovered at school health examinations, again without regard to their parents' incomes.
In addition, persons whose yearly means exceed £800 who could not, without hardship, obtain institutional services required for themselves and their dependants can also be assisted by their health authority.
The position is, however, kept under continuous review. A change, as suggested in the question, would require legislation; and the Deputy will understand that before any legislation were introduced it would be necessary to consult all the interests involved.
Would the Minister not undertake to consult with his colleague, the Minister for Social Welfare, who indicated prior to the recess of the Dáil, that he had experienced considerable difficulty in dealing with a similar matter because of the difficulty found to be in existence in relation to the Department of Health, particularly with regard to awaiting the result of the report of the Special Committee on the Health Services?
I am in constant consultation with the Minister for Social Welfare on matters relating to our Departments.
When will we get a result about this important matter?
As soon as a decision has been come to.
Will the Minister give an undertaking that he will have it shortly?
I can give no undertaking.