Mary White (Carlow-Kilkenny, Green Party)

A balance has been struck in this legislation but mistakes were made along the way. It is worthwhile expressing an apology to the countless number of senior citizens who were confused and upset by the initial announcements. Accounting must never take over completely in our legislation. Compassion must be factored into our business in the Dáil. The balance in this legislation regarding the reform of access to medical cards for those 70 and over is found in the safeguards contained in the legislation.

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