Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

I want to congratulate community welfare officers around the country for the tremendous work they have done during the recent flooding crisis. Incidentally, that is a discretionary scheme that is not capped and so they have been able to spend whatever has been needed along with administering humanitarian aid.

I do not think the 50 cent prescription charge is excessive. People need medicines but there is also a vast waste in the amount of medicine dispensed and sometimes a small charge has a disincentive effect. The tax on plastic bags is minimal, it would not ruin anyone and it is not really complained about but it had an effect.

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