Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I must be confused. I have read the Bill and the explanatory memorandum. Section 3 provides for the amendment of section 45A of the Health Act. The memorandum states:

Subsection 45A(4) will be amended to provide for a decrease in gross income limits in addition to the existing provision to increase gross income limits. The limits are reviewed annually by the Minister for Health and may now be increased or decreased with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to reflect increases or decreases in the consumer price index.

This is quite clear and explicit and states there will be an amendment to the Health Act 1970 to allow the Minister, in consultation with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, to change the limits. I believe the only way an entitlement should be removed from people should be by accountability to this elected Chamber. I have a serious concern that this amendment could have profound implications on people's rights and entitlements.

If a Government has budgetary challenges, it should be accountable in terms of the decisions it makes to the Oireachtas. Perhaps I am missing something, but does this section remove that accountability? Even if it does not, it should not be there because it certainly diminishes accountability. I oppose section 3 on that ground.

I suggest that people must come in and explain in detail the reasons an eligibility, an entitlement or a right is being withdrawn. It is clear in another section of the Bill that this is not just about the consumer price index. The Minister will be able to make decisions with reference to the consumer price index, but they will not have to be based on the index.

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