Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

In that case I will not address the issues in the section at this stage.

Regarding the issues we are adjourning for, I support what Deputy Barrett says. I am not a Member for as long as he is but I have never heard of an amendment being ruled out of order because it is declaratory. The letter I got from the Ceann Comhairle states that my amendments are ruled out of order because they are in conflict with the principle of the Bill. In the explanatory memorandum to the Bill, I cannot find any determination of the principle of the Bill. It is not clarified. The explanatory memorandum refers to the purpose of the Bill, which is to introduce a new scheme for entitlement to medical cards for persons 70 and over with effect from 1 January. I cannot see why my amendments offend that principle.

In these amendments I am trying to retain within the Bill those who already have the medical card. I contend that my amendments should not have been ruled out of order. The substance of the principle of the Bill is to make permanent provision for a means for people over 70. My amendment deals with a specific group of people, those who already have a medical card. If the Ceann Comhairle is listening to this debate before making a decision, I ask that this be taken into account.

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