asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a local authority recently circulated to members and county councillors representing the area of the said local authority a list of persons owing moneys in respect of treatment at a hospital in that area; if he will state by what authority such lists are sent to persons who are not members of the body in question; and if he will take steps to put an end to this obnoxious practice of disclosing to the public at large confidential information about the pecuniary circumstances of, and medical treatment received by, persons in public hospitals.

As I stated in reply to a similar question on 13th January, 1959, I understand that Galway County Council by resolution passed on 28th October, 1954, requested that each member of the council should be supplied with a list of people who were about to be prosecuted by the council for failure to pay bills in respect of their treatment in Galway Regional Hospital. By virtue of Section 27 of the County Management Act, 1940, this information, by reason of the resolution, had to be supplied. As I stated on that occasion, I depreciate the practice but I have no power to intervene.

As a result of inquiries which I have had made, I understand that the practice of supplying the members of this Health Authority with the names of people about to be prosecuted for failure to pay amounts due for hospital treatment provided in the local authority Regional Hospital still obtains. I am assured by officials of the Health Authority that this information is not supplied to any persons other than the elected members of the Authority.

Will the Minister state whether he is aware that this list has been abused wholesale by members of his own Party for political purposes?

I understand, indeed, that Deputy Ryan was merely acting as a jackal for the lion from Galway.

Will the Minister give an answer to the question put to him?

It does not arise.

It happens to be true.

I have here one of the circulars signed by one of his Party.

The Deputy is not in the House today, either.

Is it in order to characterise a Deputy as a jackal of another?

I said "acting as."

I do not think the word was "jackal."

Yes. The word "jackal" was used.

The Minister makes a distinction between calling a person a jackal and characterising a Deputy as acting as a jackal for another?

Certainly. What is the Deputy doing now? —acting like a playactor.

If Deputies think this is a matter of a sense of humour, that is their individual outlook. I am asking you, Sir, is it in order that a Minister would speak in these terms?

I think the word "jackal" should not be used in reference to any Deputy.

Does the Tánaiste propose to withdraw?

Certainly. I always defer to the Chair.

We are glad to have taught you that much.