I am sorry I was not here for the Second Stage, as there were some points I wanted to make. It is a pity the Minister has decided to allow the Red Cross to make charges at all. I do not think the question would have arisen but for the court case about the ambulance. In the case of the preventoria, I think it is a great mistake to allow them to charge at all. The whole success of the Red Cross has been based on its voluntary character, on the unselfish work which everyone associated with it has been willing to do without remuneration. Both preventoria—in Montenotte and in Ballyowen—have been able to carry on so far on the local authority contribution for their patients. The doctors give their services free and no one, apart from the nursing staff and catering staff, thinks in terms of remuneration. Once the Minister gives permission to charge for patients, the whole voluntary character is altered. Apart from that, the tuberculosis services at present are entirely free to the patients—there are no hospital payments, no contributions and no fees.
Apart from the fact that it will alter the character of the tuberculosis service, it will interfere with the fine concept of the Red Cross in itself. Once they are in a position to make a charge, many of these people giving voluntary service will begin to think in terms of fees, remunerations and salaries. It is a great pity that a commercial aspect should enter into the running of this institution which has been running so well so far.