asked the Minister for Health if he will give the income limits below which medical cards can be issued in each health board region, giving each category separately; and the date on which the limits were fixed.

The information sought by the Deputy is set out below in tabular form.

The limits for the Midland, Southern, Western, Mid-Western and North-Western Health Board areas were fixed with effect from January, 1972. The limits for the North-Eastern Health Board applied from February, 1972, and those for the South-Eastern Health Board from May, 1972. The limits for the Eastern Health Board date from August, 1972.

Following is the statement:

NOTE:— Persons in receipt of the following pensions and allowances under the Social Welfare and Health Acts are regarded as eligible for medical card without any further assessment of means:— Old Age (Care) Allowance; Old Age (Non-Contributory) Pension; Widows' (Non-Contributory) Pension; Orphans' (Non-Contributory) Pension; Deserted Wife's Allowance; Blind Pension.