Vol. 486 No. 1
538 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Health and Children the Acts and provisions of Acts which are not in force due to the fact that a commencement order has not been made; whether an order will be made; if so, when this will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1083/98]
The provisions of section 47 (1) of the Health Act, 1970 regarding appeals were not brought formally into effect but procedures have been operating informally in all health boards. Proposals for the amendment of these procedures in order to provide for a more customer focused service are currently being examined.
The Health (Mental Services) Act, 1981 was not brought into force as its provisions were overtaken by provisions in international law which require different safeguards against improper detention than those provided under the Act. The general thrust of the Act has been superseded by developments in the psychiatric services. Heads of a new Mental Health Bill were approved by the Government in 1996.
The following provisions of the Health Insurance Act, 1994 have not yet been commenced: section 12 — subsections (1), (2), (3), (6), (7) — Risk Equalisation Scheme; section 17 — Levy on Registered Undertakings; and part IV sections 19 to 24 — the Health Insurance Authority. An Order will be made commencing these sections as market circumstances warrant.
