Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

I thank my colleagues, Deputies Kenny and Reilly, for tabling this motion. Like most Members across this House I am angered and enraged with the harsh realities of the budget. After almost ten years of unprecedented wealth in the economy being blown, the Government has let the people down. It has especially let down senior citizens, some of whom are here tonight. Their work helped sow the seeds of the Celtic tiger and some of them needed to pay up to 77 p in the pound to the Exchequer during their working lives. It is obvious in recent days that the Government decision to means test for the medical card for the over 70s has backfired very badly.

Having attended both the Age Action protest yesterday and the Irish senior citizens rally today, and having stood shoulder to shoulder with those senior citizens it is obvious the real power does not lie in here in Leinster House with the politicians but with our senior citizens. We owe them a debt of gratitude for all the work they have done for the country. We should certainly stand by them in their hour of need. Fianna Fáil should not take back their medical cards nor should it start tinkering with income limits.

The budget announcement created unnecessary fear, anxiety and unrest among the elderly. The decision to means test all over 70s for a medical card was cruel, wrong and a bad day's work by the Government. The change announced yesterday still imposes means testing on all new applicants. Although the Government has stated that almost 95% of the people will retain the medical card, I would not believe it. I do not trust the Government because it has not been upfront and has not published the figures. The Minister has not given a guarantee that the income thresholds will not be reduced again in future years. Fine Gael wants universal health care. We want everyone to be treated equally and we want all Members in the House to support the Fine Gael motion.

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