Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy will be aware of the public announcements concerning this matter. The Bill will reflect the announcements made at the time. The welcome reform of the fee arrangements with general practitioners has enabled us to ensure that the impact will be minimal on those who were in receipt of medical cards in the past, regardless of means. Those in that age group who require medical cards will retain their cards.

It is important that the Bill be enacted before Christmas for the reasons I have given. It will bring certainty to the issue. There is no reason why this should not take place before the end of the session. It is a matter for the Whips to work out the arrangements but it is the intention of Government to enact the legislation. This is consistent with the public announcements which have been well articulated and communicated to the public at this stage.

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