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.

Copy of a typed letter to the Taoiseach from Noel C. Browne, reminding him that he (Dr. Browne) was quite satisfied that the misapprehensions of +McQuaid, + Browne and + Staunton, at their meeting on 11th October, were satisfactorily disposed of, with the exception of health education. Asks whether the Taoiseach is withholding his approval of the Scheme due to the supposed opposition of the Hierarchy or to the possible opposition of one member of the Hierarchy?

Copy of typed letter to + Staunton from +McQuaid, enclosing a draft reply on the Mother and Child Scheme. He has confined his answer to principles. He has kept an eye on the Trade Unions, especially the T.U.C. and the Clann politicians.

Typed telephone message. The General Manager of The Irish News Agency phoned requesting an authoritative statement from + Staunton on the Mother and Child Scheme. He replied that is such a statement were to come it would be issued by +McQuaid. Let the published letters speak for themselves.

Handwritten letter to +McQuaid from + Staunton. He received a telephone call from the General Manager of The Irish News Agency asking if a statement would be issued by the Bishops ‘in view of the strong things that were being said.’ He replied that any such statement would come from +McQuaid. Onesided editorial in The Irish Times.

Letter to + J. Staunton from + McQuaid. He is glad that the Bishop and the others paid no attention to Mr. Roche’s letters.

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid stating he is looking forward to the visitation by +McQuaid in September. He also mentions he will write the Minutes in the traditional manner and will minute the appointment of the Archbishop to the Catechism Committee.

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid regarding a cheque for £10,000 which was sent to he late Cardinal from the Irish Red Cross. 1 item

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid regarding the consecration of the cathedral and hopes the Metropolitan can attend. Also offers prayers for the a settlement of the threatened strike. Annotated by +McQuaid.

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid stating Fr. Cummins can remain in Dublin until after Easter. Annotated by +McQuaid.