Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I propose to share time with the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Mary Wallace, Deputy Mary White, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, Deputy Timmy Dooley, Deputy M. J. Nolan and the Minister of State at the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Martin Mansergh.

As Minister of State with responsibility for older people, I express my sorrow that people felt compelled today to take to the streets in numbers to speak out against the Government, despite the fact that more than nine out of ten people aged over 70 years will retain their medical cards following the decision taken by the Government yesterday. All of my colleagues fully recognise the deep sense of anger people felt on this issue. We have listened, however, and I am pleased that action has been taken to address the matter. The new income thresholds are designed to ensure that the vast majority of people aged 70 years and over will continue to have a medical card and only those on higher incomes will lose their entitlement to a card.

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