asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to implement the proposals contained in the White Paper on the Health Services issued by his predecessor some time ago.
Ceisteanna—Questions (Resumed). - White Paper on Health Services.
125.
Discussions are proceeding with representatives of the medical profession and the various pharmaceutical interests on the major proposals contained in the White Paper for changes in the services, namely, the introduction of a choice of doctor, where practicable, in the general medical service for persons in the lower income group and a consequential change in the system for the provision of drugs and medicines. Until the discussions have progressed further I am not in a position to fix the date on which these and certain of the other proposals in the White Paper will come into effect.
Some of the changes mentioned in the White Paper, which do not require legislation, are being progressively brought into effect. These include measures to expand the district nursing service and to improve the services for the aged.
I thank the Minister for the information. Can the House take it that there is no proposal at this time to have legislation introduced to implement the proposals of his predecessor in the White Paper?
I had hoped to introduce it before Christmas.
The Minister was not very hopeful about it a few moments ago.
I hope to introduce the Bill very soon and have Second Reading and subsequent Stages next year.
I do not want to press the Minister for information he cannot give me, but can he give any idea as to his timetable, and when he hopes to have this legislation passed into law?
A lot will depend on how long it takes to go through the House, but I would hope to have it all over by this time next year.