asked the Minister for Health whether prior to the introduction of recent legislation providing for an extension of the Health Act to persons with yearly means in excess of £600 he sought the views of the medical profession or of voluntary hospitals expected to provide the service, or gave such bodies any notice of his intention to introduce such legislation.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Extension of Health Act.
6.
The views of the bodies referred to in the Deputy's question were not sought nor were they given notice of the intention to introduce the Health and Mental Treatment (Amendment) Act, 1958.
Would the Minister not agree, on reflection, that it would have been wiser for him to have sought the views of the medical profession and the voluntary hospitals in relation to such an important change in order to avoid a recurrence of the unfortunate situation which existed four years ago and in order to ensure that we will not have further medical rowing with the Minister for Health?
I am not putting the Department of Health under the control of any association in this country.
It is not a question of putting the Department under the control of any association. It is simply a question of informing an interested profession of any important changes the Minister may have in mind.
Surely this is developing into a debate.
Would the Minister not agree, on reflection, that it would have been wiser to seek the views of the medical profession and of the hospitals in relation to such a drastic change and ensure their cooperation and agreement before deciding to bring in these changes?
The question of what services will be provided to safeguard the health of the people and the treatment of diseases and illness rests entirely with the House and the Minister.
This House could not cure a cough.
It is not my intention to permit any person outside the House to put a veto on any of my proposals.
The House cannot provide medical services.
It can only provide strong government—Rialtais laidir.