asked the Minister for Defence whether, prior to 1st October, 1971, Army personnel and their dependants qualified for free hospitalisation; and, if so, if his Department will discontinue the practice of stopping 15p per week from the wages of ratings.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Personnel Hospitalisation.
83.
Members of the Permanent Defence Force qualified for free hospitalisation prior to 1st October, 1971. The dependants of men of the force similarly qualified within certain limits.
The amount, 15p per week, mentioned in the second part of the question is the health contribution prescribed in the Health Contributions Act, 1971, in respect of persons insured under the Social Welfare Act, 1952. I am examining the implications of the relevant provision of the 1971 Act in so far as members of the Permanent Defence Force are concerned.
If a soldier holds a medical card for general medical services, would the Minister confirm that he will be exempt from this deduction of 15p per week?
I am looking into the whole matter.
It would seem they were entitled to free hospitalisation prior to October, 1971. I take it the deduction of the 15p would be illegal now.
I am taking that into account. There are a number of Departments involved.