(Dublin Central) asked the Minister for Health the number of people in Dublin who hold a current medical card.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Dublin Medical Cards.
8.
On March 31st, 1972, 106,280 persons in Dublin were covered by medical cards. Statistics of medical cards are compiled on a quarterly basis and the Deputy can ascertain from the Eastern Health Board more up-to-date information when the next quarterly returns have been completed.
Can the Minister say why the corresponding information in relation to the Southern Health Board is not available?
That is a separate question.
Each Deputy should have equal treatment. I am entitled to the same information as is a Deputy from the Minister's party.
The information sought by the Deputy would not arise on this question.
It does arise. There should be a fair crack of the whip for all.
I have been perfectly fair with all Members of the House. I said I wanted to give more responsibility to the health boards in relation to information but that I was always willing to answer questions which dealt with national health policy. I then said to the House that I found it difficult to distinguish between the types of questions that I should answer and those for which I regarded the health boards should have primary responsibility for answering. I am in a state of some confusion on this matter and have not yet made up my mind on it.
In other words, Dublin is Ireland.