Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Like the Minister of State, I regret that the medical card situation for the over 70s has to be changed but if we are required to make savings in this area, it is better to impose cuts on those who are most able to bear them. This legislation will have that effect. It is important to highlight two other issues - or perhaps three given that Deputy Kelleher has reminded me of his past. Some 43% of the population have medical cards, many of whom have qualified because of the collapse of the Celtic tiger over which Deputy Kelleher's party presided. The Government rightly decided to focus its attention on providing GP access to children aged five years and younger. That was a wise decision -----