asked the Minister for Social Welfare if free choice of hospital is available to medical card holders who seek treatment for occupational disease or injuries and if payment for such treatment is made by the health authority or by his Department from the occupational injuries fund.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Medical Expenses.
23.
Medical expenses reasonably and necessarily incurred by an insured person as a result of an occupational injury or disease may be repaid out of the occupational injuries fund to the extent that such cost is not met under the Health Acts, Mental Treatment Acts or the Social Welfare Act.
Holders of general medical services cards are entitled under the Health Acts to hospital and specialist services free of charge and where such treatment is required for an occupational injury or disease the question of payment out of the occupational injuries fund would not arise.
It is understood that a choice of hospital may be exercised by holders of general medical services cards.