andMr. Geoghegan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that certain health authorities are not prepared to provide free hospital treatment for the following classes, viz., (a) old age pensioners in receipt of the maximum pension and their spouses and (b) recipients of the maximum widows' pension (non-contributory) and their dependants; and further, that these classes are being subjected to the indignity of the further means test involved in an application for a medical services register card; and, if so, if he will take such steps as seem to him necessary to secure free hospital treatment for these classes.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Hospital Treatment.
The determination of eligibility for institutional services under the Health Acts and the decision whether such services should be made available free or at a charge are matters for the relevant health authority. I have no power to direct health authorities with regard to these matters.