asked the Minister for Health when health authorities will be notified of the amount of the health services grant for 1971-72; and if he will give the amount of the supplemental rate aid grant.

In accordance with subsection 2 (a) of section 32 of the Health Act, 1970, grants to meet one half of the approved net revenue expenditure of health boards in respect of 1971-72 will be made available from the Vote for my Department. The question of the extent to which supplementary grants, as provided for in subsection 2 (b) of section 32 of the Act, will be made available is at present being considered. I will notify the health boards as soon as possible of the level of such grants.

When does the Minister expect to be in a position to notify rating authorities regarding the supplementary grant?

I would not be able to say at this stage.

Can the Minister say if the local authorities will be asked for a larger sum than in the previous years or are they undertaking to keep the health charge at a certain level? Will that continue?

I can give no such undertaking.

In view of the fact that local authorities will soon be preparing for their preliminary estimates meetings, would the Minister be able to say if it will be possible within the next six weeks or two months to notify the local authorities what the amount is likely to be?

I will do my best with regard to that.