John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

The implication of what the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children has said is that if this loophole is not closed off, people could abuse the system. How many people are we talking about? What has she got in mind? When this legislation is passed by the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats coalition — we are opposed to it — it will have an effect on people's lives. The Tánaiste claims she has the highest respect for the representative groups and that many of her friends have been directly affected in this matter. If that is the case, why has she not listened to their reasoned arguments? Instead she has chosen to listen to other people's advice because of what she perceives to be a loophole and floodgate. I know she does not like those terms but will she bring some clarity to her argument? From her comments, it seems she is suggesting that it will be open to abuse. Will she clarify for the House if this is what she means?

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