Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

This section provides for the deadline for the full implementation of what can only be regarded as the fatal Government decision to axe the automatic card entitlement for the over 70s. I described the Minister's amendments as face-saving arrangements. They are wrongly presented as a climb-down. They are face-saving arrangements and it will take until 2 March 2009 to implement them. We may be confronted with further enabling legislation, so the Minister might like to comment on that. The reality is that the right to services is being taken away.

I recall well how Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats danced at the birth at the roll-out of the universal entitlement to medical cards to those over 70. We are now witnessing, in this hollow effort by the Government, Fianna Fáil, the Minister, Deputy Harney, and the Green Party attempting to dance on its grave. We are seeing the end of even partial universal entitlement, something which we regarded as a first step towards its ultimate roll-out for all citizens.

This section is wholly obnoxious, as is this entire Bill. I view the entire exercise as callous and ill considered, and bungled from the outset. I oppose the section, as I will oppose at every opportunity the passage of this Bill. I tabled a single amendment on Second Stage and on which we already voted. I did this because no matter what amelioration may be won in negotiating with this Minister, senior citizens in this State will be excluded from what should be their entitlement to a medical card.

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