Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too want to add my weight to the call for a debate on the most serous issue of the Croke Park II agreement ballot today because it is important. Where will the Government find the €1 billion otherwise if we do not have a proper debate?

It is no wonder the agreement was rejected. Is the Taoiseach aware that under the health (private patient charges) Bill anybody in receipt of respite care - goodness knows the periods between the provision of such care is lengthy - will be charged €175 per week? It is another stealth tax on people who badly need respite care and this puts pressure on their families because they will not be able to pay it. The clients will have to be kept at home or they could end up in hospital.

See this speech in context