Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputies. We are looking to put this together as quickly as possible. What I wanted to clarify for the House is the factual position. This measure was contingent upon savings. Those savings have not materialised. As we all know, the opposite is the case and the healthcare system is looking for significantly more cash to deal with the Covid pandemic. For the information of the House, what I am saying is that we are strongly supportive of this measure. It is the reason it is the first legislative measure we have brought forward. We fully understand how important it is for people over the age of 70. I am simply making the point that there is a process that has to be gone through. There is additional money that has to be agreed. That is a decision for Government. I will get as detailed a timeline as possible for the Deputies as quickly as I can do so. I fully understand and agree with the questions they have asked. I, too, am endeavouring to have the same questions answered.

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