Frank Fahey (Galway West, Fianna Fail)

He also said:

But I did point out at the time that it was inappropriate prioritisation. What I meant by that was I didn't want 70-year-old millionaires getting a medical card, when Johnny, who is on two inhalers, and his Dad is on 15 grand a year, doesn't have it.

He went on to say that he wanted to see the over 70s medical card means tested. He said:

Should Tony O'Reilly have a medical card? We have limited resources and they should be prioritised for those greatest in need. I don't think it should be a case of who deserves it, but who needs it.

That is the statement of the Fine Gael spokesman on health only 12 months ago.

See this speech in context