asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he proposes to sanction the transfer of the administration of public assistance in County Monaghan from the NorthEastern Health Board to Monaghan County Council; and if this proposal is in accordance with his policy in view of the desirability of having community services administered locally by a single agency.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - County Monaghan Public Assistance.
41.
With regard to the first part of the Deputy's question, the position is that under section 25 of the Health Act, 1970, a local authority may, with the consent of the Minister for Local Government, make arrangements with the health board for the administration of home assistance by the board on its behalf. Ministerial sanction would not be required in connection with the reversal of any such arrangement.
With regard to the second part of the Deputy's question, I should mention that I shall shortly be submitting proposals to the Government for reform of the home assistance scheme, including the future administration of that service. The Deputy will, of course, appreciate that until the Government have approved my proposals, I will not be in a position to say what these administrative arrangements are.
Does the Minister approve of the proposal of the North Eastern Health Board and the county council?
I have nothing further to add to my reply.
I did not ask the Parliamentary Secretary to add to what he has stated. I asked him if he approved of what they are doing?
I have nothing to add to the second part of my reply which indicated that certain proposals have been submitted to the Government regarding the home assistance scheme and it would not be proper to indicate or elaborate on that until the Government have made a decision regarding those proposals.
I am not asking the Parliamentary Secretary to elaborate. I am asking if he approves of what it is proposed to do?
I am calling the next question.
I will go so far as to state that I do not necessarily disagree.
That is not going very far.