Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I very much welcome the debate and wish to address the motion and the amendment. In doing so, we should show not just by our words but also by our deeds the respect we have for our seniors. Irrespective of party politics, we all strive to keep our senior citizens within the community. I hope the Minister, in his contribution, will state that there is a need to address the concerns and confusion that exist. In particular there is a tsunami of worry and fear about medical cards which must be addressed. I very much welcome that, on the Minister's direction, the HSE will have a communications strategy that should give comfort to many people who will not lose their medical cards. Some 93% of people will still have access to medical and GP-visit cards.

The only claim to fame of some on the benches opposite is to call the people to arms, to protest and condemn everything else. I hear very little offering of an alternative from some on the benches opposite.

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