asked the Minister for Health if he will increase the figure of £2 permitted to old age pensioners from their pensions while they are patients in mental or geriatric hospitals, in view of the increases in pensions in recent years.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mental Hospital Patients.
6.
Health Boards have discretion in this matter and I am informed that, in a number of cases, they allow more than the £2 per week mentioned.
If the Deputy has any specific cases in mind, I shall be happy to have them investigated if he sends me particulars.
The mid-Western Health Board tell me that they are not allowed by the Department to pay more than £2 out of these pensions. Could I suggest to them that they should get in touch with the Minister to see if they will now be allowed to pay more?
The clear position is that the health boards have the real authority here. I have a list before me of what the different authorities pay and some of them are paying more than £2.
I am glad to hear it.