John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

With regard to the issue before us, there was a consistent attempt to provide for the elderly in good times but, unfortunately, when the times turned down we were faced with a particular difficulty. I stress again that any party in Government is not in the business of creating unpopularity for itself. That is a given. The reasons for this decision must be examined. It is important to point out to the House that 1.4 million people in this State are entitled to medical card cover. Of that 1.4 million, 355,000 are over 70 years of age. I support what was attempted by the Government. I said so on budget day and although Members on this side of the House have been accused of applauding the budget and later on——-

See this speech in context