Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

We should bear in mind the cost of introducing medical cards for all those aged over 70 years. I am simply saying that if we are going to move to salaried GPs, we must know what it will cost.

The Deputy asked whether the Bill will include dental and other services. The intention is that it will be as comprehensive as possible. I personally favour the concept of tiered benefits, with those at the bottom entitled to everything free of charge, those at the top paying the greater portion of their health care costs and those in the middle entitled to such facilities as the doctor-only card. On dental services, contrary to comments made in this House and elsewhere, the figure for 2010 is the amount we spent in 2008. For Deputies to suggest that represents a return to the Dark Ages is unfair and inaccurate.

See this speech in context