asked the Minister for Health if the implementation of expanded health services, as reported on 1st April, requires new legislation; if not, the existing legislation and the sections of such legislation under which he intends to implement the changes; and the cost of such changes to the Exchequer and the ratepayers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Services.
8.
On the 31st of March I issued a statement to the effect that I had made the necessary statutory instruments to transfer the operation of the health services from the existing local authorities to the new health boards from 1st April. I also indicated that few changes had been made in the provisions relating to services, the most significant of these being the removal of charges for out-patient services for eligible persons. The estimated cost of this measure is in the region of £100,000 a year.
On the 1st April I stated that legislation was being prepared to introduce a scheme of contributions by the middle income group towards the cost of the health services available to that group. I hope to bring this legislation before the Dáil soon. On the introduction of this scheme the present hospital charges on the middle income group for public ward accommodation, up to 50p per day, would be abolished.
As a separate measure to this, I propose to introduce as from 1st October a scheme by regulations under the Health Act, 1970, sections 52 (2), 56 (3) and 59 (3), whereby in-patient and out-patient treatment will be provided free of charge for children in all income groups for specified long-term conditions, and drugs and medicines et cetera also free of charge for such conditions for persons in all income groups. It is expected that this scheme will cost in the region of £150,000 a year.