Vol. 217 No. 4
asked the Minister for Health if his reported statement that a free-for-all medical service is neither essential nor desirable rules out a medical service with entitlement to full expenses inside and outside hospital paid for by national insurance or voluntary contributions, and with no means test ruled on by county managers or other appointed officers.
109.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the widespread disappointment felt on account of his recent speech at the annual dinner of the Irish Medical Association announcing his unwillingness to recomment a free health service; whether he will reconsider his decision before completing his review of the health services; and when he expects to complete such review.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to deal with Question Nos. 108 and 109 together.
I am not aware that my statement has occasioned widespread disappointment. It is common knowledge that the Government has never accepted the proposition that the State has a duty to provide unconditionally all medical, dental and ancillary services free of cost for everyone, without regard to individual need or circumstances.
As I said in my speech to which the Deputies refer, my review of the health services is progressing well. I cannot say when it will be completed but the Deputies can rest assured that my recommendations to the Government will not be unduly delayed. I cannot anticipate the precise form of any decisions which may be taken by the Government arising out of it.
Would the Minister observe that he has not answered my question, which is whether or not his statement rules out a medical service with entitlement to full expenses inside and outside hospital paid for by national insurance or voluntary contributions? The Minister will agree that he has not dealt with that part of the question. Does it rule out payment by voluntary contributions or stamp contribution?
If the Deputy had read my statement, he would see that I said I had no intention of recommending to the Government that a free-for-all health service should be introduced. Apart from the fact that it would not economically be possible, it would be neither essential nor desirable that we should propose to do so. Those who are unable to pay for medical services should be given them free of cost. Those who may find it a grave hardship to meet their medical commitments should be assisted and those who can afford treatment should pay for it.
I do not want to be difficult with the Minister, as he is always so helpful to us. My question is still the same. Does this rule out a general contributory service paid for by stamps or by voluntary contribution? That question has not been answered.
To be quite honest, I do not understand the Deputy's question.
It is quite simple. Has the Minister ruled out a system of health services whereby there would be no means test but the payment for them would be by stamps or by voluntary contribution by those who have not stamps? That is a simple question and the Minister has not answered it.
I have ruled out nothing. I am considering that position. It is quite possible that the Government might rule out my proposals.
That is all right.
(Cavan): May we take it that the Minister is in fact considering a health scheme based on national insurance?
I am considering everything but to hear such a suggestion emanating from the Fine Gael benches is news to me.
Would the Minister say whether or not he has had an opportunity of reconsidering his statement that there would be a free choice of patient for doctor?
Arising out of Deputy Fitzpatrick's supplementary question in regard to insurance contributions in respect of a free health service——
(Cavan): I did not say “a free health service”; I said a health service based on national insurance.
That is what is meant.
I would point out that Deputy T.F. O'Higgins, a former Minister for Health, said that nobody contemplates or suggests that the hospital service should be run on insurance stamps. He is against a free-for-all service, too, I understand.
