Copy of typed letter to + Staunton, Bishop of Ferns, from P.J. Delaney, Medical Secretary, I. M. A. The Irish Medical Association is opposed to the Proposals for improved and extended Health Services contained in the White Paper. The Proposals visualise State control of the medical profession and medical services; the Association is opposed to the provision of medical services free of direct charge to those who are able to pay or contribute towards the cost of these services.

‘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.

Handwritten letter to +McQuaid from + James Staunton, Ferns. Suggests the Minister’s letter and memorandum needs no statement from the Bishops.

Letter from +Dunne to +McQuaid regarding an invitation to the Archbishop from Mgr. Browne of Ferns to sing the Mass or give the Panegyric at the Month’s Mind of +James Staunton. Annotated by +McQuaid.

Handwritten letter from + James Staunton to + McQuaid acknowledging his enclosures which he will place on the Agenda. Thanks him for the cheque for £54-4-1 for the poor of Ferns. 1 item 1000.24 June 1954 Handwritten letter from + James Staunton to + McQuaid accepting an invitation to the Solemn Votive Mass.

Handwritten letter to +McQuaid from + James Staunton, Ferns. He realizes the difficulties of getting the clauses inserted, but it was a chance worth taking.

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.

Handwritten letter to +McQuaid from + Staunton, Ferns. He was unable to find any guarantee, as promised in the White Paper, that patients may select their own doctor and hospital. Without such a guarantee there would be complete socialization of medicine.

Handwritten letter to +McQuaid from + Staunton, Ferns, criticizing points made at the meeting with the Minister for Health.

Copy of the letter to + Staunton, Ferns, Summerhill, Wexford.