andMr. Horgan asked the Minister for Health if he has received representations from many public service unions and individual citizens concerning their loss of limited health eligibility to voluntary contributors under the current health regulations; the number of voluntary contributors within the social insurance system; and if he has, to date, met the requests of the ILG and PSU on this issue.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Insurance.
13.
I have received representations from three public service unions and from a number of individuals concerning the eligibility for health services of persons who were voluntary social welfare contributors. There are about 2,750 persons who are currently voluntary contributors under the Social Welfare Acts. In addition, there are about 8,500 persons who have limited eligibility for health services by virtue of their having been voluntary social welfare contributors on 31 March 1974. I am at present considering representations which have been made to me on this matter and I have arranged to discuss the matter with representatives of the Local Government and Public Services Union on 5 April 1979.
Is the Minister aware of the widespread discontent amongst workers over the loss of eligibility under the Minister's new regulations?
I have already indicated in my reply that I am aware of the views of the unions concerned. I have indicated that I am considering them and that I am meeting the representatives of these unions to discuss them.
Does the Minister mean to indicate that he is considering changing the regulations as far as they affect voluntary contributors?
The Deputy had plenty of opportunities to raise this matter when this legislation was before the House. I have indicated to him that I have received representations, that I am considering them and I am meeting the trade unions concerned. I do not think I can be expected to do anything more than that at present.
As a result of the discussions that are taking place between the Irish Congress of Trade Unions a number of sub-committees have been set up, one of which will deal with the question of the health services and eligibility under those services, and I should like to know if any meeting of that committee has yet taken place.
It is not a matter for me.
It is surely a matter for the Minister for Health.
It does not arise on this question.
It is a rather farcical situation that the Government have entered into discussions with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions with regard to various aspects of the Government's approach and the Minister responsible can tell the House that it is not a matter for him.
The Deputy may not make a statement at Question Time.
I am not making a statement; I am soliciting legitimate information from the responsible Minister and I am entitled to an answer.
The Deputy should know that the negotiations between the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Government are being conducted by the Minister for Economic Planning and Development. I suggest that any questions about those should be addressed to my colleague.
The sub-committee were established by the Government. I know that the Minister has not much time for collective responsibility when it suits him but it is there.
The Deputy is making speeches.
One of the proposals was to deal with the question of health services and I should like to know whether or not the first meeting between representatives of congress, the Minister and his officials has been held.
The Deputy is posing a separate question.
It is not a separate question because the Minister has intimated to the Chair that he wishes to continue thereby avoiding answering it.
I have answered fully the question put down to me by Deputies Desmond and Horgan. That question concerns voluntary contributors and representations made by the trade unions. I dealt with those matters fully and indicated that I am considering the representations and that I am meeting one of the principal trade unions concerned on Thursday.
My question refers to a meeting between the central body of the trade union movement and the Government. It is obvious that the meetings have not taken place and that the Minister put the regulations through the House before he held the first meeting with the unions.
I wish to reply to that.
The Minister is very selective in what he wishes to reply to. I am not prepared to put up with his PRO job; I want answers.
It would have been a good idea had the Deputy taken an interest in this legislation when it was going through the House; he did not bother to come here for any of it.
The Minister is the person responsible. His four PRO men will not satisfy me because I want concrete action in his Department.
Had the Deputy come in for the legislation or taken any interest in the matter he would be aware that the regulations had to be made before 6 April.
Could the meeting not have taken place before that? The Minister is afraid to answer that.
I have already indicated to this obstreperous Deputy, with his bad-mannered interruptions, that I am meeting the trade union concerned on Thursday.
We beg your majesty's pardon.
We will not question the Minister any more.