asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that old age pensioners who hold medical cards have their old age pension books taken away from them when in receipt of institutional assistance; and if he will ensure the abolition of this practice.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Withdrawal of Pension Books.
43.
Any person in receipt of institutional assistance, including an old age pensioner holding a medical card, may be required to contribute such sum as the health authority considers appropriate towards the cost of his maintenance out of so much of his income as exceeds £1 a week. In determining the amount of the contribution to be made, the health authority must take into account any standing commitments such as rents, rates, hire purchase payments or insurance premiums payable by the person in receipt of the assistance.
As I indicated in reply to a somewhat similar question on 29th September, 1966 I consider that these arrangements are reasonable and that there is no case for changing them. If, however, the Deputy considers that a health authority has treated a particular case in an unreasonable manner, I shall be glad to look into it if he lets me have the details.
Surely the Minister is aware of the practice which is carried on whereby everybody who goes into one of these institutions, whether he goes in for medical treatment or because he has nowhere else to go, is treated in the same way?
I do not accept that as so.
If the Minister checks on the figures from the local authorities, he will find that it is so, and I suppose the reason it is so is that otherwise they would not have enough money to carry on the institution.
I do not accept that as so, either.