Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

My point is this is an attack on older people. The increase in the prescription charge further undermines the ability of older people to access medical care in primary care settings. Older people will have to pay for their GP, medical care and prescription costs and some will lose their health insurance. For all these reasons, the Bill is distasteful to say the very least because it will reduce the number of people who will qualify for medical cards. It is contrary to every stated policy of the Minister of State, the Minister and the programme for Government. I would like explanations as to why I should support it.