James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

It is Fine Gael policy to introduce universal health care and we have established a policy commission to examine how best to achieve that aim. It makes no sense to remove the medical card from the over 70s. It is important to point out that the removal of the card is in direct contradiction to the stated aim of the Minister and Professor Drumm of supporting people at home and in the community, thereby avoiding hospitalisation. How does Professor Drumm feel about this matter?

The Taoiseach was asked today whether he would give an undertaking that he would not interfere with the other universal schemes for the elderly but he waffled and refused to answer. He wonders why some of us who thought this was an inappropriate measure at the time of its introduction have changed our minds. It is because we now understand that, after seven years, people have become dependent on medical cards and have a legitimate expectation of them because of the health gains I outlined earlier. We are also aware of the savings made to hospital budgets and the need to support people at home. Furthermore, it is no time to kick the elderly when international turmoil on the markets has reduced pensions to flitters.

Due to the Government's incompetence, it has repeatedly failed to introduce the promised fair deal legislation for long-term nursing care. The €110 million earmarked for this measure last year has been capped at €55 million for next year, which is a clear indication that many people who would otherwise avail of it will be unable to do so. To add insult to injury, the Government plans to reduce the tax relief on nursing home expenses from the top rate to the standard rate from 1 January 2010, thereby increasing the cost to families of nursing home care by a minimum of €200 per week. Having asked us why we might have changed our minds, the Taoiseach, the Minister and Government backbenchers fail to answer why——

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