asked the Minister for Health the number of advisory committees to the eight health boards; and the estimated cost of running these boards in 1977.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Board Advisory Committees.
13.
Thirty-two local committees were established under the Health (Local Committees) Regulations, 1972. Their main function is advising the health boards on the provision by the boards of health services in their functional areas. The cost of administering the eight health boards in 1977 was £1.9 million. This covers the cost of management personnel, their support staff, and appropriate overheads and the expenses arising in connection with the local committees.
Can the Minister indicate if he places importance on the advice which these committees give to the Department and to the health boards?
I value all advice from whatever direction it may come.
Can the Minister indicate why he refused to meet the deputation from the Monaghan local health committee when they asked to see him recently?
Because I had already met a deputation from the Deputies of all parties from Monaghan to discuss the situation. I received the submission in writing from the committee. The Deputy will appreciate that I cannot possibly physically receive every deputation that wishes to come to see me about a particular matter. Where I can not receive a deputation I invariably suggest that the body or organisation concerned submit a memorandum for consideration and if after study of the memo it seems that receiving a deputation would be helpful I endeavour to do that.
If a body like the advisory committee, which is representative of all sectors of the public, asked to see the Minister on a matter as important as the continuation of the hospital in Monaghan surely they ought to be met by the Minister concerned if he places importance on their advice.
I have received the written views of this committee. It is not necessary for me to receive a deputation in every case from somebody who wants to put a point of view before me. The Deputy knows enough about these matters to know that if I get a good memorandum submitted by the body concerned that is usually much more effective than receiving a deputation, which can be quite wasteful of everybody's time.
Why does the Minister not get a Minister of State?