asked the Minister for Health if he will state, in explanation of his recent speech in Crossmolina, County Mayo regarding the costs to the rates of the new health scheme when he mentioned a few shillings for the western seaboard, how much extra his proposed health scheme will cost the rates there.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - New Health Scheme.
31.
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the cost of the extensions in the health services mentioned in the 1966 White Paper. I would draw his attention to Paragraph 116 of the White Paper in which it was indicated that the Government proposed that "the cost of the further extensions of the services should not be met in any proportion by the local rates".
I am not referring to any White Paper but to the Minister's own speech.
I did not say anything about the new health service——
The Minister is reported in the Western People as saying he would provide a health scheme which would cost but a few shillings on the rates to the western seaboard.
I must have been misquoted. I did not say anything about the new health service——
I think the Minister was probably quoting the speech made a few years ago by the then Deputy Dr. Ryan who is now a member of Seanad Éireann.
I did not read the remark attributed to the Minister because I do not have time. However, on Saturday next a very high rate will be struck in respect of that item of health. Can the Minister let us know now, or, in any case, before Saturday, where exactly we stand in the matter of any assistance he might be prepared to give us towards reducing the rates in Mayo?
If the Deputy would like me to get in contact, I shall do so.
I am thankful to the Minister.