asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that, where old age pensioners are detained in St. Kevin's Hospital, Dublin for limited periods of time, the hospital allows them a sum of only ten shillings per week out of their pensions; and whether, in consultation with the Dublin Health Authority, he will take steps to ensure that such pensioners should receive a sufficient rebate of pensions to enable them to pay the rent of their normal accommodation, so that, when they leave the hospital, they have a home to which they may return.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Old Age Pension Rebates.
7.
I have had enquiries made from Dublin Health Authority and I understand that the position regarding deductions from the pensions of old age pensioners who are in St. Kevin's Hospital for limited periods of time is not indicated in the first part of the question. The usual arrangement is that no charge whatever is made in such cases. Further, I am informed that where old age pensioners are in the hospital for protracted periods, it is the standard practice to allow the pensioner to retain, in addition to 10/- per week, a sum sufficient to meet his outlay on rent.