asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health whether in view of the outdated, unsatisfactory and costly dispensary system obtaining in the State, he will examine the position in this regard with the object of devising for the people, and particularly for the poor, a better, more efficient and modern medical service.

I would refer the Deputy to the statement made by An Taoiseach in the Dáil on the 30th January, 1946.

In that statement it was indicated that a White Paper will shortly be published which will contain certain proposals intended to form the basis for consideration of the reorganisation and extension of the existing public health and medical services.