asked the Minister for Health if he will state in respect of each health authority the number of medical service cards current at the latest available date, and the number of persons covered by such cards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Service Cards.
9.
As the reply to the question is in the form of a tabular statement, I propose, a Cheann Comhairle, with your permission to circulate it with the Official Report.
Following is the statement:—
The latest date for which the information requested by the Deputy is generally available is 31st December, 1958. In the case of Wexford County Council figures are not available for this date, as a general revision of the Council's general medical services register is being undertaken and the information is for the 30th September, 1958.
The following was the position:—
|
Health Authority |
Number of Medical Cards current on 31st December, 1958 |
Number of persons, including dependent covered by these cards |
|
Carlow County Council |
3,520 |
13,665 |
|
Cavan ,, ,, |
8,927 |
20,527 |
|
Clare ,, ,, |
6,968 |
18,359 |
|
Cork North County Council |
13,617 |
32,340 |
|
South Cork Board of Public Assistance |
18,049 |
49,512 |
|
Cork West County Council |
5,122 |
16,781 |
|
Donegal ,, ,, |
6,529 |
22,168 |
|
Dublin Board of Assistance |
29,873 |
94,477 |
|
Balrothery Board of Assistance |
1,141 |
5,543 |
|
Rathdown Board of Assistance |
2,903 |
13,288 |
|
Galway County Council |
17,567 |
54,439 |
|
Kerry County Council |
15,123 |
38,429 |
|
Kildare ,, ,, |
6,275 |
22,342 |
|
Kilkenny ,, ,, |
8,347 |
29,505 |
|
Laois,, ,, |
5,059 |
14,320 |
|
Leitrim,, ,, |
2,009 |
7,392 |
|
Limerick ,, ,, |
11,763 |
28,602 |
|
Limerick County Borough |
6,720 |
27,503 |
|
Longford County Council |
3,932 |
14,065 |
|
Louth ,, ,, |
6,790 |
20,342 |
|
Mayo ,, ,, |
11,317 |
44,330 |
|
Meath ,, ,, |
3,795 |
13,577 |
|
Monaghan ,, ,, |
8,905 |
17,810 |
|
Offaly ,, ,, |
6,517 |
20,139 |
|
Roscommon ,, ,, |
6,415 |
23,257 |
|
Sligo ,, ,, |
5,042 |
15,897 |
|
Tipperary (N.R.) County Council |
7,117 |
20,482 |
|
Tipperary (S.R.) County Council |
10,910 |
32,511 |
|
Waterford Board of Public Assistance |
9,175 |
23,140 |
|
Westmeath County Council |
5,180 |
19,959 |
|
Wexford ,, ,, |
11,254* |
29,033* |
|
Wicklow ,, ,, |
5,382 |
22,314 |
*These figures are 30th September, 1958.
10.
asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that some old age pensioners have been refused medical service cards; and if, in view of the fact that these people, having undergone a means test, qualified for pension, he will make a statement on the matter.
I am aware from correspondence received in my Department from time to time that a small number of old age pensioners have been refused medical service cards. I understand, however, that, in general, health authorities do, in fact, issue medical cards to such persons on application. From inquiries made from local authorities into cases where cards were refused, it appears that in determining that the applicant was ineligible for a card his domestic circumstances, including the income of his household, were taken into account.
If the Deputy is aware of instances in which it appears that a refusal to issue a medical card to an old age pensioner has resulted, or is likely to result, in hardship, I shall have inquiries made from the health authority concerned if he furnishes me with details. I may remind the Deputy, however, that I have no statutory functions regarding the determination of eligibility for general medical services under Section 14 of the Health Act. 1953.
I know the Minister has no statutory functions, but his word and that of the Minister for Health go a long way with local authorities. Does he not agree, as I ask in the question, that in view of the fact that these old age pensioners have undergone a severe means test to qualify for the old age pension, surely the means test for qualification for a medical service card should not be more restrictive?
I find it hard to disagree with the Deputy, personally, but I should like the Deputy to understand that the word of the Minister for Health does not go the whole way with the county manager in this case.
In view of the fact that, as the Minister has said, there is only a relatively small number of old age pensioners who have not received a medical service card, would it not be a good thing to have a general rule that the old age pensioner would automatically get a health card, since, as the Minister is probably as well aware as anyone in the House, a son or daughter earning in the family does not necessarily give up a big proportion of the earnings for the general upkeep of the house.
I must say, personally, that I should not like to lay down that any particular category should be either in or out. I think the definition laid down in the 1953 Act is the proper definition, that is, that a person "unable to provide by his own industry or other lawful means" the medical or surgical treatment, and so on, required, should be provided for. I think that is really the test which should be applied in all cases.
I agree with the Minister, but, unfortunately, in some cases, it is not being applied.