asked the Minister for Health if he will state the number of blue cards given to persons and their families in Dublin City in the upper income group under the discretionary powers granted to the local authority by the Health Act, 1953.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Blue Cards.
The answer is nil. The cards to which the Deputy refers are issued to persons entitled to the services provided under Section 14 of the Health Act, 1953, which provides that a health authority shall, in accordance with regulations, make available a general practitioner medical and surgical service, medicines, ophthalmic, dental and aural treatment and medical, surgical and dental appliances for persons who are unable to provide such services by their own industry or other lawful means for themselves or their dependents. The Act does not contain any discretionary powers which would enable a health authority to make medical services available to any other persons.