asked the Minister for Health his plans for the Hospitals Commission.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospitals Commission.
28.
I intend, under section 42 of the Health Act, 1970, to make an order for the dissolution of the Hospitals Commission in the near future.
Who will take over the function of disbursing the funds of the Hospitals Trust?
The Department of Health.
Will Comhairle na nOispidéal take over the other functions of the Hospitals Commission?
I do not know whether I can answer that question. All I know is that the Hospitals Commission has been given certain functions. Whether they are identical with those of Comhairle na nOspidéal I could not say. Their main function was to disburse funds for hospital buildings and equipment and provide grants towards deficits in the voluntary hospitals.
They also had the power of approving appointments in hospitals.
The Deputy is making a statement. He is not asking a question.
I have not finished. Will this function be assigned to any particular body?
It certainly will not be assigned to the departmental officials. I said the Department will take over the functions of the Hospitals Commission. I do not think they include appointments, as the Deputy suggests.