asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the statement in the report of the National Health Council for the year ended March, 1971, that it was felt generally among members of the council that they were not being used to full potential to advise him of developments under the Health Acts; and what action he intends taking in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - National Health Council.
3.
I think it will put the matter raised by the Deputy in its proper perspective if I make it clear that the report in question was published by me in accordance with the obligations imposed on me by section 98 of the Health Act, 1947, as amended by section 41 of the Health Act, 1953, which, in this respect, provides that the National Health Council may present each year to the Minister for Health an annual report and that the Minister shall publish the report with such comments, if any, as he thinks fit. The report to which the Deputy refers was the annual report of the first year's work of the National Health Council appointed for the two-year period ending on the 31st March, 1972.
I have recently received the report of their second year's work, that is, the report for the year ending on the 31st March last. I am at present considering that report but I can say categorically that it contains no expression of dissatisfaction with the utilisation of the council's potential. I make the point merely to emphasise that the meeting I had with the council in February, 1971—and which is reported in considerable detail in pages 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the report referred to by the Deputy—cleared any misunderstandings which had arisen with the council. I think it true to say that the misunderstandings had arisen largely because of the somewhat slower than anticipated progress in the preparation of the draft regulations setting up the regional hospital boards and Comhairle na nOspidéal. It would be at the draft regulation stage I would consult the council.
The Deputy will appreciate that before that stage could be reached, however, it was necessary to have considerable consultative activity with the many interests involved. Some of the members of the council were aware of these consultations in other capacities and there developed in the council the feeling that information was being withheld. I am, I might say, given by the council copies of the minutes of their meetings and so was aware of their concern and when they sought a meeting with me I immediately agreed to see them. The meeting, as I have said, cleared the air and the council continued to give me, in a spirit of whole-hearted co-operation, valuable and objective advice on a variety of subjects within the ambit of the health services for the remainder of their period of office.
Can the Minister state when the report for 1972 will be published?
The Minister states that it is under consideration at the moment. I am not in a position to state when it will be published.
In respect of the legal obligation to publish, may I ask what time limit is provided?
I doubt if there is a time limit.
Can the Minister state how the obligation to publish is interpreted? Does he know what is the period? It must mean something.
I would say that it will be published within a reasonable time.
That does not answer my question.
I am only going on the precedent that has been established with regard to reports. Reports are not held for an undue period.