James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)

I seek the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32 to raise a matter of national importance, namely, the war being waged on the over 70s, and strongly condemn the threat caused by the Government to their well-being, which caused some to refuse to hand back their medical cards by yesterday's deadline for fear that they will not be able to afford medical care, including home help and who are prepared to break the law to retain their cards, knowing that in their declining years, as they will be hard hit by nursing home charges and reduced tax relief on medical expenses, they will not be able to pay for essential medical services, a situation exacerbated by confusion and fear being generated by contradictory information from the HSE.

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