Is the Minister aware that people who may be on a fixed income have now fallen back as a result of food price increases and are now not eligible, even under the new guidelines? These people should be eligible because of the increases in food prices.

People on fixed incomes who were eligible previously must be eligible at this stage if they are on the same income, because the guidelines have increased with income limits so, even if their income increased in line with the national understanding, they will still be eligible.

I am talking about a man and wife on £48 a week.

The guidelines are related to the levels of income.

This is in relation to a man and his wife who are living on £48 a week.

Surely the Minister must be aware of all the price increases that have taken place? There is a large number of people entitled to medical cards and they should get them.

The question is about guidelines and I have demonstrated how the guidelines have been increased and have answered the question in relation to that. The Deputies are trying to bring in the general question of price increases. I have no information on price increases.