asked the Minister for Health the number of people with medical cards classified as receiving institutional assistance; and the amount they have been required to contribute in each of the last three years.

The information requested by the Deputy is not available from the health boards. While persons receiving institutional assistance under section 54 of the Health Act, 1953 would normally be eligible for medical cards they do not always continue to hold such cards while receiving such assistance as necessary medical services are provided in most of the institutions.

The total numbers who received institutional assistance in each of the last three years were: 1975—21,215; 1976—21,625; 1977—19,754. The amounts contributed by such persons towards the cost of their maintenance were: 1975—£3,676,729; 1976 —£4,742,711; 1977—£5,297,144. The contributions are made from the person's income—generally old age pensions—and they are normally allowed to retain about £3 or £4 a week for their personal use.

Is the Minister aware that a very arbitrary distinction is made between medical and nursing care in many of these cases? Would he not consider that this matter should be reviewed in the interests of the patients? I want to ask the Ceann Comhairle is a nod registered in the Official Report?

The answer is "Yes".

This is important. I looked for a previous nod by the Minister and it was not registered.

It goes in conjunction with kicking to touch.

Because the Deputy and I agree on so many things I am inclined to adopt this informal and casual attitude towards him. The answer is in the affirmative. A nod is as good as you know what.

17.