asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to extend hospital services on 1st April, 1974.
5.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Services.
4.
asked the Minister for Health if negotiations with the medical profession about the proposed free hospitalisation scheme have yet commenced; and, if not, why.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 5 together.
It is the intention of the Government to extend the hospital services, as announced, from next April. A letter suggesting early discussions has been sent to the Irish Medical Association and the Medical Union but, because of pre-occupation with negotiations on the junior hospital doctors' dispute, it has not been practicable to have these discussions yet.
Is the Minister prepared to have them at the earliest available opportunity?
Yes, at the earliest available opportunity.
When was the letter sent suggesting the discussions?
At the beginning of this month. I indicated to the two organisations on the 30th August that the changed circumstances that would be in operation on 1st April would be the subject of discussion at a working party, but it emanated from that meeting that they believed that a new working party should discuss the change in the hospital services.
Approximately 12½ weeks have elapsed since the announcement was made by the Minister in August. Only a very limited period of time is left now before 1st April.
I appreciate that. As I said in reply to the Deputy's question, he must understand that those now engaged in conciliation in regard to the junior hospital doctors' dispute since 3rd October are also involved in the discussions which I said were necessary.
Has the new working party now been agreed?
No.
When does the Minister anticipate that it will be agreed?
I cannot tell the Deputy that until the two medical organisations indicate to me what the composition of their group will be.