Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

No, the extension of free GP care to the people over 70 will not be retrospective but prospective. There will be a change in legislation that will apply prospectively, not retrospectively.

Senator van Turnhout mentioned the gagging clause and I completely accept her point on her support for this legislation because she made it clear in the Seanad. I did not say to anyone that I regard yesterday's amendment as an effort to stall the Bill as I do not believe it is. Nobody said this on my behalf. In the broader firmament, there are those who believe this will never happen and some will seize on any event to support such a view. It will happen.