James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I support Deputy O'Sullivan. Fine Gael is utterly opposed to this Bill. It is detrimental to the elderly and to the economy because the measure it seeks to rescind has been shown to bring social and health gains to the persons concerned. The longitudinal study at St. James's Hospital has proven that beyond doubt. The paltry sum of money that will be saved — €16 million in general practitioner fees — could have been saved without damage to the elderly if negotiations had taken place. I ask that the House reject the Order for Second Stage and that the Government continue its negotiations with pharmacists and other professionals and leave the elderly out of it.

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