asked the Minister for Health if he will state for each of the past five years the total number of medical cards issued to persons who had not previously held them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Issue of Medical Cards.
85.
Information in the form requested by the Deputy is not available. The very considerable effort and time which would have to be specially devoted by health authorities to producing the information sought would not, I think, be justified.
86.
asked the Minister for Health if he will urge health authorities to issue general medical cards to farmers with valuations of £20 or under.
I would not feel justified in so urging health authorities. Under existing legislation the grant of a medical card to any applicant is a matter for the health authority concerned. Other relevant factors, in addition to valuation, have to be taken into account in the case of farmer applicants.