asked the Minister for Health if he will state, in respect of the health contributions proposed for the middle income group covering insured persons, farmers and other self-employed persons who are at present entitled to hospital services under the Health Acts on what basis the figure of £2 million for the contribution income in the present financial year was calculated; if he will indicate approximately in respect of each category of persons the numbers involved; and when it is proposed to introduce the scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Services.
12.
The figure of £2 million is based on what moderate contributions under the scheme would yield. As indicated in my written reply to a question by Deputy Hogan on 5th May, details of this will be announced when I bring the necessary Bill before the House. As these details are not yet completed, I cannot now say what the rate of contribution will be nor can I at the moment give a detailed breakdown of the numbers in the different income categories to be covered.
I expect to be in a position to bring the Bill before the House in a few weeks and I would hope to start the scheme in the second half of the year.
Could the Minister say, if the details are not available, how the figure of £2 million was arrived at.
It can be worked out approximately, but I do not propose in reply to a question to give approximate answers on a matter which can be thoroughly debated in the House. Full information will be made available to Deputies, and if Deputies on any side of the House need information to help them discuss the Bill, I will be very glad to provide it to the extent that it is available.
Surely this is evading the question that has been asked. A figure of £2 million was put into the Budget speech. It must have been set on some fixed basis for different categories some of whom are known because they are already covered by social welfare contributions. Is it not an absolute neglect of the normal procedure in connection with matters of this character to refuse to give information when the figure was arrived at after some assessment?
The figure was arrived at after some assessment, but it will not help the Deputy if I tell him a figure that may not be the final figure. The contribution would be of the order of a flat rate of some 12 to 16p. I cannot say exactly what the figure would be per week per person, or per contributor.
Will the Minister say in what way, if any, will this new scheme affect rates? Will there be a contribution from the State for the alleviation of rates in respect of health charges, or is all the money to go to the Exchequer?
All those matters can be discussed during the course of the Bill.
Will the 12p or 16p be additional to the existing social welfare contribution or in substitution for it?
It will be additional.
Are we to assume therefore that from September next the social insurance contributions will be increased by 16p?
The Deputy can assume nothing. There is a question of how social welfare contributions should be levied, who should pay them and in what case the employer should pay and in what case the employer and the employee should pay and I am not going to continue to give information on a matter which will be the subject of legislation and which Deputies will have the fullest opportunity of discussing.
May I——
We cannot have a discussion on this at the moment. There will be an opportunity to discuss it.
In view of the fact that hospitalisation costs only £500,000 to £750,000 where will the extra money go?
The Deputy will learn about that too.