asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card holders in Waterford city and Waterford county in 1974, 1975 and 1976; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

As the reply to the first part of the question is in the form of a table I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to circulate it with the Official Report.

There has been an increase in the total number of persons covered by medical cards in Waterford city and county which is in line with increases in other parts of the health board's area, and results in a figure which is a little above the national average.

Following is the table:

NUMBER of medical cards current, and the number of persons covered, in Waterford city and county on 30th June in each of the years 1974, 1975 and 1976.