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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Jul 1971

Vol. 255 No. 5

Committee on Finance. - Health Contributions Bill, 1971: Committee and Final Stages.

Sections 1 to 6, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 7
Question proposed: "That section 7 stand part of the Bill."

This is the section which deals with the collection of the contributions from farmers and others. It is mentioned in the explanatory memorandum that those contributions will be collected by the health authorities. I am wondering what method of collection will be adopted by the health authorities. I am sure they will have available to them a list giving the names of those farmers whose valuations are less than £60 but I am asking when they will have to pay and what will be the method used to collect the £7 contributions.

We hope that as many farmers as possible will make the contribution in a single payment. The money will be collected by the health boards. Farmers who do not pay will be reminded in the usual way and will be sent a follow-up request. Some official from the health board or somebody delegated by the county council will collect the sums. Also, we are in touch with the Post Office and we hope it may be possible to introduce a scheme whereby farmers and other self-employed persons can collect cards to which they can affix stamps. The collection of the contributions will be done by the health boards. Farmers who do not possess medical cards and whose valuations are less than £60 will be included in the scheme.

Can I take it, then, that the secretary of the health authority will, as soon as the order is made, write to the people concerned reminding them of their obligation?

Yes. They will be sent a reminder in one form or another. At times when there are no rates to be collected, the rate collectors might be sent around to collect the contributions or the authorities might appoint a special official. In any event, the Deputy can be assured that the procedure will be such as to be as agreeable as possible.

I accept that. Can the Minister say if a £60 valuation, in this case, includes buildings and land?

Question put and agreed to.
Sections 8 to 12, inclusive, agreed to.
SECTION 13.
Question proposed: "That section 13 stand part of the Bill."

Does this section mean that the regional health authorities will not be responsible for any expenses incurred in the collection of those contributions?

They will receive grants from the Department to cover their administrative expenses.

Will their expenses be covered in full?

In other words, there will not be a rates contribution to pay for the contributory insurance scheme.

Will the grants cover the expenses in full?

The central Government will cover the expenses in full.

Question put and agreed to.
Title agreed to.
Bill reported without amendment, received for final consideration and passed.

I thank the House for its co-operation.

Sitting suspended at 7.10 p.m. and resumed at 8 p.m.
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