asked the Minister for Health if he intends introducing a scheme of block allocations of funds to the various regional health boards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Regional Health Boards Funds.
18.
The former health authorities were advised last March of the amounts of health grant payable in respect of the year 1971-72. The new health boards have since been informed of the aggregate amounts payable. Grants from my Department's Vote will in future years be allocated to the boards on the basis of estimates of the aggregate costs of the services in the area of each board. The balance of the cost of the services will be contributed by the local authorities appointing members to the boards.
Is the Minister aware that agreement has not been reached by many of the boards? He said an official of the Department would be assigned. Since then, the Department have again returned the buck to the county councils and have asked them to reach agreement among themselves.
We are trying to get agreement before we appoint an arbitrator.