asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has for family planning clinics to be operated by any of the health boards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Family Planning Clinics.
19.
Family planning is generally accepted as coming within the scope of general medical practice and the primary source of advice envisaged is the family doctor. The role of the health boards will be complementary to that of general practitioners, being concerned normally with the provision of more specialised information and advice. I have asked health boards to consider arrangements to ensure that, where they are required, services of this kind are made available. These arrangements will take account of existing facilities such as hospitals and clinics at which specialist obstetrical and gynaecological services are now being provided.
Has the Minister any record of the number of health authorities that have provided the service to which he referred? Will he provide funds for family planning facilities, both natural and artificial, if they are asked for by the health boards? Will he give a clear answer?
It is my intention to ensure that facilities will be available throughout the country for advice in relation to family planning. When it is clear where the gaps are I will ensure that such advice is provided.
Will funds be provided for making artificial contraceptives available under these schemes?
The Deputy should be aware of the fact that a health board would not be entitled under the Act to distribute artificial contraceptives. The question relates to family planning advice.
What good is family planning without contraceptives? We are becoming more fascist every day.
If a health board writes to the Minister indicating that it wished to establish a family planning clinic which would distribute so called artificial means of contraception would the Minister give sanction to the health board in the public interest to so do?
If a health board applies to me to set up a service I will consider that service where it is necessary. The question of supplying contraceptives must be undertaken within the provisions of the Act.
If a health board indicates that it is prepared to comply with the Act, no matter how ridiculous it is, will the Minister sanction that health board to set up a clinic within the confines of the buildings and health centres of the health board?
If it is seen to be necessary in the public interest.
I feel great sympathy for the Minister trying——
Will the Deputy please ask a question?
Will the Minister make funds available if they are required by a health authority for the provision of a family planning service no matter whether artificial or natural to obviously health board patients? Will he make funds available for these facilities?
We have had discussions with the chief executives of the health boards and have indicated that, if necessary, within the Act we will make funds available.
I should like to ask a brief question.
I have allowed a number of supplementaries. Question No. 20.
I should like to establish a fact from the Minister.
I am sorry, I have already called the next question.
What is the situation likely to be where medical card holders will be required to pay for family planning devices under the Act?