asked the Minister for Health whether he will allow health boards to hand back to patients in county homes and psychiatric hospitals the full amount of the increase payable to patients in respect of all pensions and allowances as from 6th July, 1973.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Hospital Patients' Pensions Increase.
28.
The question of my "allowing" health boards to hand back increases does not arise. If the persons concerned are in receipt of institutional assistance it is a matter for the health board concerned to decide how much, if any, of the increases will be appropriate towards maintenance charges. If they are in receipt of hospital treatment they would, in most cases, be entitled to services free of charge, but if a charge can be made the amount is a matter for determination by the health board.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the pension book is, in fact, collected from some patients in institutions and only portion of the pension made available to the inmates?
That is true and that is another question that I am deeply involved in.
Question No. 29 postponed.