Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

With respect, I allowed other people to speak. Even with the decision that has been made, our medical card costs will rise by 14% next year. There are more treatments, more expensive drugs and more people are losing their jobs who will have to access a medical card for themselves and their families. In that context, when resources are limited, clearly any Minister for Health and Children and any Government must look at who needs them most.

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