asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate how much of the sum of £661,000 provided under sub-head H of the Estimate for his Department for the current financial year for the mother and child service has been spent, and the nature of the expenditure.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mother and Child Service.
It is not possible to supply the information requested by the Deputy. Grants to health authorities under sub-head H are based upon estimates submitted by such health authorities in advance of actual expenditure. The returns of actual expenditure upon approved health services for the current year will not be available for at least six months after the close of the financial year on the 31st instant.
Mr. O'Higgins
It is clear at least that the money has been spent on something else.
Did the Deputy gather that from my reply? If he did——
Mr. O'Higgins
The money has been spent.
——he must have a twisted mind.
£661,000 is a considerable sum of money and it was granted by the previous Government for a scheme which the previous Taoiseach said was non-existent.
Question No. 20.
Mr. O'Higgins
We will see if it exists this year.
Deputy O'Higgins should allow the questions to proceed.
Mr. O'Higgins
If the Minister had answered the point, it would be easier.
I am not going to have my directions challenged.
Mr. O'Higgins
I am not challenging them.
The Minister is answering the questions directed to him.