asked the Minister for Health if he will now indicate the approximate date on which he hopes to introduce a mother and child welfare scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mother and Child Scheme.
I am having the question of the introduction of a scheme of improved health services, which will include a mother and child health service, examined in my Department. I do not expect to be in a position to make any announcement about the matter before the adjournment.
Is the Minister aware that £661,000 has already been provided for this scheme? Can he state whether it is proposed to spend that money before the end of the present financial year in view of the fact that it was expected to cost a total of about £900,000?
The Minister is doing a hasty and unpremeditated retreat from the scheme.
Is it not true that £660,000 was provided in the Estimate for this year?
I do not know.
The Minister has a shrewd suspicion.