Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate. I wish to direct my comments first of all at the backbenchers who claim to have saved the day with regard to the medical cards. Did they listen to opinions and feel the emotions opinions expressed outside the Dáil today or understand the views, reactions and concerns of the people who contributed most to the building of the State and to the standard of living we enjoy? The emotion most expressed was a feeling of betrayal as a result of the withdrawal of a service on which they depended.

How can we respond to people who believed that until they died they would have a medical card and the full services that come with it? How can we respond to those who trusted the Government on that and withdrew from paying private insurance, only to be left now in limbo? How does the Minister propose to deal with that?

There is a fear among the people that once one benefit is removed, another will follow. People have cried talking about this. It is unbelievable to think that the people who are so emotive and upset about what has been taken from them may need to be concerned about losing their other benefits, such as the free fuel allowance and free travel. Once one benefit goes because of cuts, what is to stop the Government removing other benefits?

We have not heard any mention of another group of people, namely, those who expected that at the age of 70, they would receive a medical card. These people, now in their 60s and approaching 70, expected they would get a medical card, but they too have been betrayed. Some Independent Members have said they want clarification. Clarification of how people feel was clearly given today in Kildare Street and Molesworth Street. That clarification must be responded to in the vote tonight.

I will not mention the Green Party, because its position depends on what radio station one listens to. If we listen to a local station, we understand the Green Party is responsible for the changes that have been made, but if we listen to a national station, we understand the party rowed in all the way with the Government.

We put the issue to the backbenchers who wanted change and who must face the people and to Independent Members. I urge them to be accountable now and to vote for our motion and give elderly people who have experience of the university of life their support. These people will not be waved aside any longer. We must listen to them, especially in this regard.

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