asked the Minister for Health if he will give examples of the type of property which might fall within section 36 (1) (b) of the Health Act, 1970.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Local Authority Property.
5.
Local authority property which, prior to 1st April, 1971, was used partly for health services and partly for another local authority service, could fall within paragraph (b) of subsection (1) of section 36 of the Health Act, 1970. However, there is no obligation on local authorities to notify the Minister in relation to such designations and consequently there is no record in my Department of the specific instances where this has been done.
Can the Minister foresee any area of contention between these health boards which will be within the ambit of his Department and the local authorities in regard to any particular property such as dispensary residences or can the Minister see any dual purpose property in respect of which such contention might arise?
So far as I can see, there could be no question of there being any difference of opinion in regard to dispensary residences but in regard to buildings where both the health boards and the local authorities will be operating, there is power under the Health Act for the health board to have transferred to them portion of the property which would be attributable to the health board and used by them in their activities. If there should be any difference of opinion between the health boards and the county councils concerned the Minister for Local Government and I would try to settle it by agreement and if we should not succeed the matter could be settled in court.