Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 2:

In page 4, between lines 15 and 16, to insert the following:

""Act of 1970" means the Health Act 1970;".

The purpose of this amendment is to relieve the burden on those who are most adversely affected by the levy. It specifically refers to the possibility that people with medical cards would be excluded from the requirement to pay the levy. The 3% levy on people earning the minimum wage is seen as a significant burden. The issue can be addressed in two ways. In a later amendment, we propose that those earning less than the minimum wage would pay 50%. Alternatively, earnings could be considered on a family basis.

This amendment proposes an exemption for those who hold medical cards. As matters stand, medical card holders are exempt from other levies, such as those for PRSI and health. A principle appears to have been established, therefore, that medical card holders as a category should be exempt from measures such as this. Even in a time of emergency, a balance must be found in the provisions we introduce. The point has been well made that people would regard this levy as achieving a fairer balance if contributions were made across the board. However, a broader programme of fiscal reform has not been put in place and it seems unfair that medical card holders, for example, must contribute even though the State is stepping in to assist them in their medical costs and existing levy obligations. By considering this amendment sympathetically, the Minister would contribute to greater consistency and a more balanced way of identifying families who should be exempted from this burden.

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