Three copies of a typed letter to the Taoiseach, Mr. Costello, from + James Staunton, Bishop of Ferns, Secretary to the Hierarchy, regarding the Mother and Child health service. They recognize that the proposals are motivated by the sincere desire to improve public health, but the Hierarchy must consider whether the proposals are in accordance with Catholic moral teaching. The following points were mentioned: the powers taken by the State are in direct opposition to the rights of the family; the right to provide for the health of children belongs to parents, not the State; it is not sound policy to impose a state medical service on the whole community; the right to provide for the physical education of children belongs to the family; gynecological care may be interpreted to include provision for birth limitation and abortion; the proposed service destroys the confidential relation between the doctor and patient.

Typed letter to + James Staunton, Ferns, from Miceal Breathnach, informing him that a copy of this letter and memorandum is being sent to +McQuaid and Canon McNamara of the Catholic School Managers.

Letter from +Collier to +McQuaid. He invites +McQuaid to dinner in his house with the bishops of Kildare and Ferns as well as a few priests from the city. Annotation by +McQuaid.

Typed letter to + James Staunton, Ferns, from Richard Mulcahy. The present system of rating teachers ‘Efficient’ and ‘Highly Efficient’ is to be discontinued. Teachers reported to be doing satisfactory work would be entitled to proceed to the appropriate maximum salaries.

‘Memorandum of observation of the Minister for Health on various matters relating to the Mother and Child Scheme referred to in a letter, dated 10th October, 1950, addressed to the Taoiseach by the Most Rev. J. Staunton, D.D., Bishop of Ferns, Secretary to the Hierarchy’. Each of the points raised by the Hierarchy are considered. Original and copy.

Typed memo by the Bishop of Ferns on his meeting with the Minister for Health. Dr. Browne wished to state that in so far as he was to blame he regretted the situation which had arisen. He was prepared to accept the decision of the Bishops as to whether the scheme was opposed to Faith and morals, and if they decided that the scheme opposed Faith and morals he would, as a Catholic, not proceed and would resign his position as Minister for Health.