asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that some doctors in Cork City have refused to issue the required medical certificates to holders of medical cards who, because of illness, are unable to draw widows' contributory pensions in the usual manner and who desire to make alternative arrangements for relatives or friends to draw the pension on their behalf; and if he will investigate the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Issue of Medical Certificates to Widows in Cork.
A recipient of a widow's pension who, by reason of illness, is unable to attend at the post office to collect the pension does not normally require a medical certificate in order to secure payment to her authorised agent. The certificate of a clergyman or of a peace commissioner is accepted in lieu of a doctor's certificate. A doctor's certificate, however, is necessary if the pensioner is too ill to sign the authorisation and the pension book or is suffering from an infectious disease.
I am not aware that some doctors in Cork City have refused to give necessary certificates in such cases but if the Deputy will furnish me with particulars, I shall have the matter investigated.