asked the Minister for Health if holders of medical or hospital cards who are obliged to attend the out-patient centre at the Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, Cork, for specialist services in respect of dental, ophthalmic and aural treatments, are allowed to have these services provided free.
Written Answers. - Medical Specialist Services.
856.
Dental treatment is not provided at the outpatient department of the Cork Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital. Holders of medical cards are entitled to ophthalmic or aural treatment there free of charge. Hospital card holders are not so entitled.
857.
asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the scheme to grant medical cards without a means test to all recipients of old age pensions from his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Details of the scheme to give full eligibility, i.e., medical card status, to recipients of certain social welfare pensions are being worked out. I will be introducing proposals in both Houses of the Oireachtas when the detailed scheme is finalised.