asked the Minister for Health if legislation to implement the proposals of the White Paper on the Health Services will be contingent on the result of the Government's examination of possible alternative means of financing the health services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Services.
26.
The introduction of the legislation is not contingent on this, but the detailed form of it might be.
Does the Minister mean that the time of the introduction of the legislation will depend on that?
No, the opposite.
Can the Minister give any indication as to when the Government's examination of possible alternative means of financing the health services will be made known?
I imagine about August or so.
It would be simpler to say: "As soon as possible."
That is true.
Can the Minister say if he proposes to introduce sections of the White Paper independently?
A Bill will be introduced.
It will cover the whole lot?
We can always amend the Bill in the light of proposals about any structural changes.
Will the Bill cover the proposed changes in the financing of the health services? Does the Minister intend that when the Bill is passed through the House it will be implemented all at one time or piecemeal?
I should imagine it would depend on the availability of finance. It will probably be piecemeal.
I must confess I did not follow what the Minister said. Did he say the Bill will be introduced in August?
We will not be sitting in August.
When will the legislation be introduced?
As soon as we get it back from the draftsman.
27.
asked the Minister for Health if it is his intention to proceed with his plans to implement the proposals of the White Paper on the Health Services irrespective of whether present negotiations between himself and the medical profession break down.
The negotiations will not break down.
That is very interesting.