Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The legislation was signalled by the Government in respect of the reforms that we brought forward in the interests of maintaining a sustainable level of service for all citizens, including those aged over 70 who have an entitlement to a medical card. The large threshold we have devised in respect of the income thresholds that will apply confirm that 19 out of every 20 existing pensioners will remain eligible for this card. It is our intention that the legislation will be taken until 1.30 p.m. tomorrow.

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