Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I do not accept for a moment that I forgot it because the complaint from the Labour Party benches in each of the past three budgets was that I was not spending enough. I recall in regard to the Labour Party's manifesto that Deputy Quinn was calling for a hugely increased capital investment programme way beyond what we are providing, which will still be between 5% and 6% of GNP next year, in line with the NDP commitment. That was Deputy Quinn's position. That would have meant higher taxes. Deputy Quinn is entitled to put that view. He put it to the test and it did not work.

Deputy Gilmore made a point about elderly people losing health cover. People are entitled to hospital services. The vast majority of VHI services — up to 95% — relate to hospital services. Deputy Gilmore may be able to show me some aspect of a plan relating to GP services. Those people are still entitled to be looked after in hospitals and acute services should they require them.

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