Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I will try to deal with the points raised. Deputy Bruton raised the issue of income earners aged 70 and more who did not qualify for the medical card and has suggested both here and on Committee Stage that they would be obliged to pay the health levy. This is not the case. The Health Act 2008 provides that all persons aged 70 and over will be exempt from the health levy, no matter what is their income or whether they have a medical card. This suggestion is incorrect.

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