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.

Letter from Fr. N.L. Staunton, secretary to Fr. James Ardle MacMahon stating he has forwarded the correspondence to All Hallows College. Durban

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid enclosing the form of delegation duly signed.

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid regarding the Minutes of meetings. He also states he has written to Mr. de Valera regarding the elections and has told him voting on Sundays or Holy Days is not advisable. Annotated by +McQuaid.

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid regarding the ‘Bird’s Nest’ near Gorey. The children and staff have now left for Dublin.

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid regarding a Novena for the Silver Jubilee of Blessed Oliver Plunkett’s beatification. This has been approved by the Standing Committee of the Hierarchy. 1 item

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid stating he will attend the Solemn High Mass in the Pro Cathedral.

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid enclosing £20.10 to aid the Italian Catholics in their fight against Communism.

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid regarding the forthcoming Bishop’s meeting. There will be discussion on the Department of Education’s proposal to raise the school leaving age. He also offers a priest to the Dublin diocese for one year. Annotated by +McQuaid. 1 item

Letter from +Staunton to +McQuaid regarding the new system of ‘…socialised medicine’ which the Minister is trying to introduce. He applauds the work of +McQuaid in fighting this.