asked the Minister for Health if he will state, in respect of Dublin City, the number of applications for medical cards under the Health Act, 1953 (a) which have been received, (b) which have been granted, (c) which have been refused, and (d) which are still awaiting decision.

I am informed by the Dublin Board of Assistance that in respect of the Board of Assistance area, which consists of Dublin City and small adjoining portions of County Dublin on the north and west sides, up to the 11th November, 1955, 27,451 applications had been received for medical cards under the Health Act, 1953; (b) 19,425 had been granted; (c) 4,150 had been refused, and (d) 3,769 were awaiting decision.

107 medical cards which had been granted were subsequently withdrawn.

The number of persons covered by the 19,425 cards granted is 65,717.

Separate figures are not readily available in respect of the Dublin City portion of the Board of Assistance area.