asked the Minister for Health the percentage of the population in the Ballyfermot dispensary area who have medical cards; how this percentage compares with the average percentage throughout the country; and, if it is not a greater percentage, why.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Cards.
4.
The percentage of the population in the Ballyfermot dispensary district covered by medical cards on 30th September, 1969, was 26.3 and was much higher than the average of 17.0 per cent for Dublin city. The percentage for the country as a whole was 30.6.
The percentage of the population covered by medical cards in a particular area is a function of the general level of income in an area and, even when similar criteria are applied in assessing applications, it is to be expected that there will be variations in the percentages so covered in different areas. In these circumstances, the variation of four percentage points between the Ballyfermot figure and the national average would be a reflection of differences in income levels.
Would the Minister not agree that the figure of 26.3 per cent is extremely low considering that the people of Ballyfermot are in the lower income group and that practically everybody is living in subsidised accommodation?
As the Deputy knows, there is virtually full employment in the area. The figure compares favourably with a great many areas in other parts of the country, where the figure goes up to 45, 46 and 47 per cent.
Yet the Minister stated that it is below the national average.