Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman for the opportunity to speak to this important issue. We have listened to Government Deputies criticising this side of the House for bringing forward and advocating the genuine fears of people. It is not only Fianna Fáil as a political party which is advocating these fears. The largest advocacy group in the sector, Age Action Ireland, has been highlighting its concerns about this issue, not for weeks but for months.

It was amazing to listen to Deputy John O'Mahony referring to people carrying slabs of beer on the trains. Does he honesty believe our senior citizens are going around with six-packs under their coats, travelling up and down? If it were not so serious it would be laughable. The previous speakers were falling over each other referring to what a fabulous scheme it is. If it is that good and working that well, then why the need to review it?

The Minister of State and his colleagues have lost sight of one simple thing. When they advocate a review and follow up by saying that nothing will change, the people do not believe them. The Government has lost the trust of the people because they have seen what the review of the medical card situation has done and the pain, hardship and anxiety it has brought on so many people.

The Government amendment refers to the previous Government making cuts and reducing expenditure. That is true and no one can argue with it. However, what the previous Government did was done in a fair and equitable manner. It is not a matter of Fianna Fáil saying that, the ESRI has said it. The institute has said the previous budgets were progressive, unlike the three budgets that the Minister of State has so faithfully and loyally supported, all of which were regressive.

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