Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Section 2 concerns the income limits for those over 70 who apply for the medical card. I will use this opportunity to respond to Deputy Cullinane and the other Deputies who have, understandably, asked questions about timing. It is a question many people are asking. I will answer a similar question on GP eligibility when we get to that section, seeing as we are strictly adhering to sections and what is in them.

This relates to people over 70. This criteria was in the last budget to be implemented this year, as were various other eligibility criteria that various Deputies have raised. The problem is that the eligibility criteria being implemented for this year were contingent on quite significant savings in the health budget. As everyone will appreciate, none of those savings has materialised because of Covid-19 and instead I was before the House two weeks ago asking for an additional €2 billion. I will be back before the House again asking for an additional amount of money.

The measure was to come, essentially, from within the existing budget but as I am sure everybody understands, that is not now possible. However, the Government, along with tonight's contributors, recognises this is something that will make a major difference to many people. With this in mind, I will seek a discussion within the Government to see if a way can be found. It is not budgeted for and would require additional funding. It will require agreement of the Government and, ultimately, it would require the agreement of this House.

I recognise that this is an important measure, which is why it was in the budget and why we are bringing this forward as the first Bill of this Dáil. I would like to be able to revert to the House as soon as possible with progress on that.

See this speech in context