Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----in the context of other charges facing people on foot of budget 2013. I refer, for example, to the increase from 50 cent to €1.50 in the prescription charge for medical card holders, as well as the increase in the threshold for the drugs payment scheme, a decrease in the amount available for the household benefits package and the introduction of a carbon tax on solid fuel, as well as the introduction of home tax.

Our senior citizens are being hammered with regard to these issues.

Overall, this legislation and the Government's health policy should be looking after the sick, the disabled and our senior citizens. This legislation does nothing for them. Once again, I call on the Minister to change his mind, to wake up, smell the coffee and stand up for our senior citizens.

See this speech in context