asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the complete removal of the health charges from local rates.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Charges.
50.
It is not considered that adoption of the suggestion made by the Deputy would be justifiable, bearing in mind the fact that local authorities appoint a majority of the members of health boards. I might add that, in respect of an estimated net health expenditure of health boards of £86,550,000 for the year 1972-73, the Exchequer contribution will total £51,576,000, including £8,301,000 for the special supplementary grants towards the reduction of the amount of health expenditure to be met from local rates.
51.
asked the Minister for Health the action he intends taking in regard to the Southern Health Board arising from the very large increase in expenditure for the coming year.
The estimates of expenditure of the Southern Health Board for the coming financial year are being examined in my Department in conjunction with the estimates of the other health boards.
Health boards will be notified as soon as possible of any adjustments that may be necessary in their estimates as the result of this examination and in the light of the financial resources likely to be available for the services generally.