asked the Minister for Health when the upward Income limit of £1,200 for general institutional and specialist services provided by local health authorities was set; and if he intends to increase it in line with the decrease in the value of money.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Services Incomes Limit.
3.
This limit has applied since September, 1965, in the case of persons insured under the Social Welfare Acts and since April, 1966, in the case of self-employed persons. The issue as to what future limits should apply to such services is under consideration.
Would the Minister consider adopting as a policy that income limits such as this should be adjusted annually as a matter of course in the light of changes in the cost of living?
When the limit was raised to £1,200, an allowance was made presuming that there would be a reduction in the value of money for some considerable period. I think it would be inadvisable to make annual changes because of administrative difficulties involved. I can tell the Deputy that the matter is under consideration.
Is the Minister telling us that when this figure was arrived at they could foresee the inflation that was coming?
If the Deputy himself calculates, he could arrive at the same conclusion. He can ask a question about it.
I have just asked a question and I should like to have a reply.
The limit was £600 in 1953, £800 in 1958 and it was made £1,200 in 1965-66. In each case some allowance was made for presumed inflation.
It should be £2,000 now.
Is the Minister satisfied that £1,200 in 1966 is still a realistic figure in 1971?
The figure is certainly capable of some revision.
Will the change come in 1971? Is that expected?
That depends on the Government's decision. The matter is under consideration at the moment.
When will the announcement be made?