asked the Taoiseach if in view of the recent speech by the Minister for Local Government and Public Health at the inaugural meeting of the Medical Society, University College, Dublin, it is proposed to set up a separate Department of Public Health.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Public Health Services.
As was stated by the Minister for Local Government and Public Health on the occasion referred to by the Deputy, the setting up of a separate Department of Public Health requires a great deal of thought and preparatory work. The Minister pointed out that to separate the rate-raising and other functions of the local authorities from their public health functions and to place them under the control of separate Departments of State is a delicate and difficult business. The Government has had in mind the question of such a development, but no decision has been reached. The Deputy is aware that there is a Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Local Government and Public Health, who devotes himself almost exclusively to public health and associated matters. The question of putting the functions of the Parliamentary Secretary on a more formal basis, with more clearly defined responsibility, is under consideration.