andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Health whether he proposes to provide for the free choice of doctor to the lower income group type of patient under the health scheme, as suggested by him in the course of the Estimate speech on his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Scheme: Choice of Doctor.
9.
I did not "suggest", in the course of my Estimate speech on my Department, a "free choice of doctor to the lower income group type of patient under the health scheme."
On that occasion I pointed out that the question of providing a choice of doctor in the general practitioner service provided by health authorities under Section 14 of the Health Act, 1953 had been examined by successive Ministers for Health and, having outlined certain difficulties and considerations, I went on to say——
"It will be clear from this that such a change cannot be readily made. It is, of course, a possible improvement which must fall for consideration in the future development of the health services; therefore I have arranged for my Department to assemble all the relevant facts and estimates of costs, and in due course the Minister for Health will be in a position to study the matter again in the light of experience."
The necessary information is still in process of being compiled.