Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

The Labour Party is also opposed to the proposal and to guillotines in general. There are very many at this time of year. Just as legislation resulted in the withdrawal of respite services for certain people, the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2010 is asking the most vulnerable to pay yet again. People on medical cards, the sick and poor will now be asked to pay prescription charges.

The Labour Party has only one time slot for this Bill and it will be sharing it with Sinn Féin because it has no time allocated to it. This is simply inadequate. Many of my colleagues would like to be able to speak on this Bill. They represent people who will now be asked to pay a prescription charge for their vital medication. We are strongly opposed to the use of the guillotine on this Bill.

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