asked the Minister for Health whether holders of medical cards and their dependants are entitled to free transport facilities when they have to travel considerable distances for medical or surgical treatment at clinics and hospitals.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Free Transport for Medical Card Holders.
21.
I would refer the Deputy to the provisions of Section 104 of the Health Act, 1947, as amended by Section 43 of the Health Act, 1953 which deal with the provision by health authorities of ambulances or other means of transport for the conveyance of patients. The effect of these provisions is to leave the question of a charge for the transport of patients for medical or surgical treatment at clinics or hospitals to the discretion of the health authority in each case.
I should perhaps mention that persons physically capable of doing so are expected to avail of public transport in the circumstances mentioned in the question; and where their means permit, to do so at their own expense.
Incidentally, I understand that the cost of the patient transport provided by the Mayo County Council last year was almost £10,500 and that the amount they recovered in respect of this service was £16.