asked the Minister for Social Welfare why the invalidity pension is taken from a disabled person when he is hospitalised, despite the fact that he has the medical card.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Invalidity Pension.
23.
Invalidity pension continues to be payable in respect of a pensioner who is in hospital whether or not he has a medical card. The pension is not taken from him by my Department. If the Deputy will let me have particulars of the case or type of case he has in mind I will have the matter investigated and I will communicate with him.
The Minister says it is not taken by the Department of Social Welfare. Is he aware of the fact that the local authority takes the invalidity pension as the local authority takes the old age pension while the old age pensioner is in hospital, despite the fact that the old age pensioner has a medical card? The Minister is aware of this fact because I brought it to his attention on many occasions. Will he comment on that?
The Deputy should draw the attention of the Minister to any cases he has in mind. I understand it is possible that certain hospital authorities are retaining some of the invalidity pension for hospital expenses.
Why?
The Minister for Social Welfare would like to have the cases the Deputy has in mind, if he has any cases.
If the Minister is aware that some hospitals are taking these pensions why does he not clamp down on this practice and put an end to what is happening? The Minister has said he is aware of the fact. Why must I bring it to his attention when he himself has admitted this? The Minister has admitted some hospitals take the pensions.
This may be the case. Let the Deputy bring the cases to the attention of the Minister.
Will the Minister not agree I brought one case to his attention?
The Deputy must allow questions to continue. Would the Deputy please resume his seat?