asked the Minister for Health if it is proposed to finance the voluntary hospitals from the Hospitals Trust Fund instead of by increased grants from the Exchequer.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Financing of Voluntary Hospitals.
3.
The annual income of the Hospitals Trust Fund from the proceeds of sweepstakes has been approximately £3 million in recent years. The outgoings for the current year, of which payments to voluntary hospitals form the major part, are estimated at £22.5 million and the deficiency in the fund will be met by grants from the Exchequer. There can thus be no question of reducing the liability of the Exchequer by increasing issues from the fund.
The question of revision of the method of payment for services provided by the voluntary bodies so as to achieve greater economy in administration is under examination, but no question of a change in the ultimate liability for the costs will arise.