Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)

The Minister and the Government even now cannot get into their heads the importance the elderly people attach to the simple medical card because the power and the privilege have gone to their heads over the years being driven around on the best leather seats with their backsides on the back seat of the Mercedes. They are completely out of touch. It is unbelievable that in a country of 4 million people, 14 Ministers around a table could be so far removed from how the other half live. That is why there was so much anger outside the gates earlier. Given the Government's proposals regarding education services, there will be even more people outside next week.

The collective arrogance of the Government is breathtaking. Many people said today — I know this given my background — a medical card is a passport to health services that they otherwise would not be able to access. The Minister still does not recognise this. Do people with cancer aged under 70 have to go through a means assessment to obtain a medical card? I understand they must but a Government Deputy stated on Galway Bay FM earlier that they would have a card by right. Is that right or wrong?

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