asked the Minister for Health whether in view of the intolerable position caused by the increase in rates during the past number of years he will consider this year making health services a national charge.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Services as National Charge.
1.
Mr. Donnellan
As announced by the Taoiseach in June, 1961, a general review of local finance is being undertaken in conjunction with the Economic Research Institute. Furthermore, one item in the terms of reference of the Select Committee of this House on the Health Services, which is due to be constituted in the near future, is:
"to examine the existing arrangements for meeting the cost of the services and alternative arrangements which might be adopted for meeting such costs".
The Deputy will appreciate that the Government must await the results of this review and examination before considering any change in the present arrangements under which generous aid has been given by the State since 1947 towards the financing of the health services.
Mr. Donnellan
I wonder is the Minister aware that the ratepayers are so overburdened that they cannot wait for any further result. Surely he must know that?
They will wait a little longer.
Mr. Donnellan
They cannot afford to wait longer.