With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to reply to Questions Nos. 47 and 48 together.
I am not aware that persons, such as old age pensioners, whose income is less than £1 per week are being deprived of that income in county homes. If the Deputy has particular cases in mind I will be glad to look into the matter if he will give me the necessary details.
The charges made on persons in institutions depend on whether the person concerned is receiving "institutional services"—that is, broadly, hospital treatment—or "institutional assistance"—that is, shelter and maintenance in a county home, or similar institution. Provision for charges for hospital care are contained in section 15 of the Health Act, 1953, as amended, and section 231A of the Mental Treatment Acts, 1945 to 1961. In addition, section 8 of the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 1960, as amended, provides for the appropriation of pensions of persons detained in district mental hospitals who are in receipt of non-contributory old age pensions. Such patients may be allowed up to £1 a week from their pensions for their personal use and further sums may be allocated towards the cost of meeting various charges such as rent, rates, ground rent, etc., on their homes outside. Provision for charges for "institutional assistance" is contained in section 54 of the Health Act, 1953.
