Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I wish to raise a number of issues. First, I would like the Minister for Finance to clarify his response in respect of the legislation for the withdrawal of medical cards from the over-70s. What he has just said represents a change from that previously announced. I would like the Minister to clarify the matter.

Second, with regard to the Minister's response to Deputy Kenny on the issue of the expected reduction in interest rates by the European Central Bank, ECB, I share his hope that the Irish banks and lending institutions will pass on that reduction to their borrowers and mortgage holders. I am astonished by what the Minister said in this regard. In effect, what he is saying is that if the banks and building societies do not pass on the reduction in interest rates, there is nothing he can do about it.

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