(Cavan) asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to implement the White Paper proposals to provide a free choice of (a) doctor and (b) chemist for the lower income group.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Choice of Doctor and Chemist.
49.
It is not possible at present to give a date for the implementation of these proposals. Legislation will be needed: as I indicated in the House on 23rd February, 1967, Dáil Debates, vol. 226, col. 1776, it is my intention to introduce this legislation so that it can be discussed and enacted this year but, of course, the arrangements consequential on the legislation would take some further time.
(Cavan): Is the Minister aware that failure to provide a free choice of chemist for the lower income group means a loss to existing chemists and, at the same time, means that patients cannot get the drugs that are prescribed by doctors for their condition? Does the Minister appreciate that?
I appreciate that maybe there is something in what the Deputy says.
(Cavan): Did I understand the Minister to give any definite date?
We hope to introduce the legislation and to have it enacted. We shall have consultation after that.
(Cavan): If the necessary legislation is enacted this year, when does the Minister hope to put it into operation?
Within 1968, I hope.
(Cavan): Does the Minister further agree that while there may be some difficulty in implementing the free choice of doctor there does not appear to be any similar difficulty about implementing the principle of free choice of chemist?
No, I would not think——
(Cavan): Would the Minister say what they are?
The Estimate for the Department of Health will be before the House in five minutes' time, when the Deputy will have an opportunity of raising the matter.