asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards issued in County Meath and in each county in the North-Eastern Health Board area to farmers with valuations (a) under £20, (b) under £30, (c) under £40, (d) under £50 and (e) under £60.

I have had inquiries made from the North-Eastern Health Board and I am informed that the information requested by the Deputy is not compiled for any of the counties of the area. I should add that, since valuation alone is not an accurate indication of a farmer's income and is not the sole criterion used in assessing a farmer's entitlement to a medical card, and compilation of information in the form requested would be of limited value and the cost of compiling it would not be justified.

Could I ask the Minister whether information in a form somewhat similar to that requested by the Deputy is available? The Minister stated that the information is not compiled in respect of the counties in the form requested by the Deputy. My question is: is the kind of information sought compiled in some other form?

No. My information is to the effect that the only figures that could be known would be the total of those in receipt of medical cards. In order to obtain the information requested by Deputy Crinion every single record in respect of a medical card holder would have to be scrutinised.