asked the Minister for Health if he has any immediate plans to remove health charges from the rates.

I would draw the Deputy's attention to the reply I gave in the House to two questions on this subject on 31st October last.

Has the Minister any excuse to offer for his statement to the local authorities over the year 1965-66 that he would continue to give the health grant at the same level?

I never made that statement.

I beg to differ with the Minister. I heard him saying it in Nenagh.

This is Question Time. If the Deputy is asking a question he should do so. He should not make a statement.

I think the Minister made it but he withdrew it in a few days.

I did not.

I think he did.

I am saying I did not.

It was understood by the whole country. Let there be no ambiguity about it.

I think the Minister made it but mended his hand in the House later.

I made the situation perfectly clear on a number of occasions. It would take too long to go into it now. I made my position abundantly clear and at this stage I am not responsible for misinterpretations. There will be an opportunity soon for Deputies to re-state their impressions and I will re-state my position.