asked the Minister for Health whether he has received a proposal from Kerry County Council to refund 30s per week to patients in St. Columbanus Home, Killarney, County Kerry, out of their pensions and social welfare benefits; and, if so, if he will state the present position in the matter.

Kerry County Council recently inquired of my Department if it was intended to amend the Institutional Assistance Regulations, 1965, to permit of the retention by patients in county homes and similar institutions of 30s per week from their pensions and social welfare benefits. It has been explained to the county council that under the existing regulations patients must be allowed to retain at least £1 a week and that health authorities may allow more than this to be retained, if they so wish. It is a matter for determination by the health authority having regard to the patient's circumstances in any particular case.

Are all the patients in there for shelter or would a number of them be old and therefore not wanted in an ordinary hospital and are sent to an old folks' home for final treatment before discharge?

I would not be able to say exactly to whom the regulations apply. I have not had any complaints of the character mentioned by the Deputy. I shall look into the matter informally.

Should they not be entitled to be treated as if in a hospital?

There might be a case there. I shall look into it.

In the Saint Columbanus Home, Killarney, all the patients are in the category of persons just seeking maintenance and shelter.

They are.

There is great dissatisfaction in many areas because patients who have been receiving medical treatment are having their pensions taken from them.

Hear, hear.

That does not arise on this question.