asked the Minister for Health the extent of the supplementary grants to supplement the statutory grant of 50 per cent payable towards expenditure on health services for 1970-71.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Services Expenditure.
10.
As I stated in my reply to questions on the 11th instant, I am making available to all health authorities in the coming year special assistance, additional to the statutory and supplementary grants now payable, which will ensure that, despite the very considerable increase in the estimated cost of health services for the year 1970-71, the increase in the health rate will not exceed 2s. in the £ in any area.
In connection with the circular sent out from the Minister's Department recently in respect of increases in capitation rates, will these increases be borne by the State also?
The rates are being fully relieved in respect of increases in capitation rates payable to voluntary hospitals. The amount includes the sum required to offset increased capitation rates which would otherwise have the effect of increasing the rates by more than 2s.