asked the Minister for Social Welfare what increases in rates of payments for medical certificates have recently been granted, e.g. PR. 6083, p. 178.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Payments for Medical Certificates.
19.
The amount of money available each year for payment to medical certifiers in respect of medical certificates of incapacity for work issued to insured persons for disability benefit purposes is determined by multiplying the total number of insured persons (excluding those not insured for disability benefit) by a fixed capitation rate. The present capitation rate of 5/-per insured person has operated since October, 1960, when it was increased from 3/6. Apart from this increase there has been no recent increase in the capitation rate.
20.
asked the Minister for Social Welfare if the £126,967 (PR. 6083, p. 178) paid in respect of insured persons' medical certificates also covers payments to medical practitioners for prescribing medicines or drugs deemed necessary following a medical examination; and, if not, if he will make arrangements to enable insured persons to have such prescriptions made available as part of the social welfare benefits.
The sum of £126,967 paid in respect of insured persons' medical certificates is the amount paid in the financial year ended 31st March, 1961, to medical certifiers who have entered into agreements for the issue to insured persons free of charge of medical certificates of incapacity for disability benefit purposes under the Social Welfare Acts. It does not include any payment to these certifiers for prescribing medicines or drugs deemed necessary following a medical examination.
As regards the second part of the question, I have no power to make the arrangements suggested by the Deputy.