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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Nov 1971

Vol. 256 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Midland Health Region.

6.

asked the Minister for Health if he has decided to appoint an arbitrator to decide on the method of levying health charges on the counties comprising the Midland Health Region.

The appointment of a person to determine the proportions in which the expenditure of the Midland Health Board, not met by grants and other receipts, shall be contributed by the authorities appointing members to the board is receiving attention in my Department in consultation with the Department of Local Government. I hope to be in a position to make an appointment in the near future.

Can the Minister give us any reason for the delay? We were told last June that an arbitrator would be appointed. Then when we referred it to the Department of Health the committee were told to try again among themselves to come to an agreement. When they could not, it was again referred to the Minister. This question has now been in abeyance for six to eight months. What is the delay and when will the Minister be in a position to do it?

Under the relevant legislation if agreement fails to be made in a period of six months or such longer period as to be decided by the Minister then action is taken to appoint an arbitrator. In any event, officers of my Department are meeting officers of the Department of Local Government in order to make arrangements for the appointment of arbitrators in these cases. It will be done fairly soon.

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