asked the Minister for Health the proposals, if any, he has for integrating the functions of the Health and Social Welfare Departments.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Integration of Departmental Functions.
13.
I have not at present any plans for such integration.
Is the Minister aware that in an interview a few years ago he said it was imperative that there should be an integration of these two Departments? Has the thinking changed meanwhile?
That was in a different situation.
No, it was in 1973 that he said it was imperative that these Departments be integrated.
He was in opposition then.
At present I do not see any need to integrate them.
What happened in the meantime to change the Minister's mind?
He is in government now.
There are a number of changes. The general structure of the Government has been changed in some important respects. This would be a major change which I do not think necessary at present. I am not saying what the situation would be if there were some new reorganisations of Government Departments.