Richard Bruton
Ceist:109 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for all pensioners to be exempted from the health levy in the same way as social welfare pensions are now paid without deduction of this levy.
Written Answers. - Health Contributions.
I presume the Deputy is referring to the payment of health contributions. The fact that health contributions are not deducted from social welfare pensions does not mean that all the pensioners concerned are exempted from the payment of health contributions. Pensioners, other than widows who have income on top of their pensions may be liable for health contributions on that income. I do not consider that the income of all pensioners should be exempted from liability for health contributions as the income in some cases could be quite substantial and this would give rise to inequities.