Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I will give him full marks for his response, but I will ask my question in any event. The House passed legislation giving the banking system a guarantee on deposits, which we supported. The Minister for Finance rightly stated we are deep into the banking sector. How is it proposed to use the legislation to ensure the reduction in interest rates is passed on quickly to the thousands of mortgage holders and small businesses who need it and that it will not be used by the banks to expand their profit base?

Some 18 sitting days remain until the proposed Christmas recess. From a budget that was clearly botched emerged the proposal to withdraw the universal right of persons over 70 years of age to medical cards. When will the legislation be introduced in the House and will there be adequate time to analyse the Government's response to the effect that only 5% of persons over 70 years of age will lose their medical cards?

Regarding the question asked by Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, the Minister for Health and Children announced the withdrawal of the proposed cervical cancer vaccination scheme for girls of 12 and 13 years of age. Given that the amount of money involved is so small, the Government is being short-sighted. Will it consider trying to find €10 million somewhere else——

See this speech in context