Vol. 397 No. 9
300 Mr. Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if he will indicate the position of old age pensioners who are holders of medical cards and who, on admission to a district hospital are asked to surrender their old age pension books; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Persons entitled to medical cards while living at home may nonetheless be expected to contribute towards their maintenance when receiving long-stay care, and accordingly asked to surrender their pension books.
In deciding the amount to be contributed, health boards have regard to the person's circumstances. Allowance is made for any outgoings, and a reasonable amount of the person's income is left for personal needs.
