asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange with the health boards to increase substantially the amount refunded out of their pensions to patients in county homes and mental hospitals.

The amount refunded out of their pensions to patients in county homes and mental hospitals is a matter for determination by the health boards, having regard to the circumstances in the case of each particular patient. I have no indication that the boards do not exercise their discretion in a reasonable way in determining the amounts to be refunded. I am not, therefore, inclined to make representations to the boards on the lines suggested in the question.

Would the Minister not agree that people in mental hospitals should be entitled to treatment there?

I think the allowances are very reasonable under the circumstances. They have been increased recently.

Is this not in contravention of the Health Act, 1970?

No, it is not.

It is.