asked the Minister for Health if the increase in the cost of the health services in the coming year will be borne by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Services Cost.
9.
As I have previously informed the Deputy, grants to meet one-half of the approved net revenue expenditure of health boards will be made available from the Vote for my Department in accordance with sub-section (2) (a) of section 32 of the Health Act, 1970. As provided for in subsection (2) (b) of section 32 supplementary grants will also be made available, but I regret that I am not yet in a position to notify health boards of the level of such grants in 1971-72. I will do so as soon as possible.
Does the Minister appreciate that at the present time the estimates are being held up because of the lack of this information; that this week Dublin County Council met to consider the estimates and adopt the rate, if possible, but they could not do it because they do not know what the health position is?
I will do my best to expedite the position. This must be done in the context of the general budgetary position and also in conjunction with the Minister for Finance, as the Deputy knows.