asked the Minister for Health if medical appliances for out-patients are covered by the 15p per week which is paid by insured persons under the Health Contributions Act, 1971.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Health Contributions Act.
13.
Medical appliances for out-patients are not normally covered by the above-mentioned contribution. However, persons in the lower income group are entitled to medical appliances free and, in other cases, health boards are empowered to provide assistance towards the cost where they are satisfied that such assistance is required to avoid hardship.
14.
asked the Minister for Health the estimated percentage of the population who will contribute 15p per week under the Health Contributions Acts, 1971, during the year 1972-73.
I assume the Deputy intends to refer to all those who pay health contributions, whether at the rate of 15p a week which is applicable to insured persons or at the rate of £7 a year which applies in the case of farmers and other self-employed persons. The estimated proportion of the population paying contributions is 30 per cent.
Could the Minister give us any idea of the total income he expects to the Exchequer from these contributions and payments?
I think the Deputy had better ask a question about that because I would not like to exaggerate the amount.