asked the Minister for Health if he will state when he proposes to implement the Health Act, 1953, in full.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Implementation of Health Act, 1953.
As I indicated in a circular issued by my Department to health authorities on the 8th January last, I anticipate that during the year 1955-56 the necessary facilities can be made available and the necessary arrangements made to bring the remaining services under Sections 15, 16 and 17 of the Health Act, 1953, into operation. I propose to defer for the moment the introduction of services under Section 16 for the contributory group under that section. With that exception, I hope that all the services under the sections mentioned will come into operation in the latter half of the year.
Section 21 of the Act provides for extended dental services. I propose to concentrate first on the improvement of the standard of services for classes at present inadequately covered, with particular reference to the provision of an adequate service for children. Until that is done, I do not propose to provide dental services under Section 21 but, in the meantime, the existing dental services for insured persons will be continued by the Department of Social Welfare.
The remaining sections of the Health Act, 1953, are already in operation.