Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Last week's budget imposed prescription charges for medical cardholders, which will work out at up to €10 per month being imposed on people who already are at the very bottom of the income ladder. Will this measure require legislation and if this is to be legislated for, when does the Taoiseach expect that such legislation will be presented? I understand from the Minister's comments that this measure is to be introduced on 1 April, which is April fool's day. Sadly, while I do not know who is the fool in this instance, it certainly will be an inauspicious day for many people. The Taoiseach should indicate when such legislation, if it is to be introduced, will be presented. Will there be parallel legislation in respect of the pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors regarding the overcharging they exercise with regard to the manufacture and distribution of drugs and medicines?

Second, many communities nationwide are recovering at present from the dreadful flooding experiences that extended over large swathes of the island of Ireland.

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