Results 3,081-3,100 of 9,753 for speaker:Terry Leyden

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: I refer to the medical cards for the over 70s. The doctors and the Irish Medical Organisation destroyed the case for them with the charges they imposed. They called them the golden medical cards and, by God, they made gold out of them. Few people need to have fears in this regard. I have checked the means test for the medical card and I am quite confident most people who now qualify will...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: The money made in those tribunals is unacceptable and those concerned should make a contribution.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: They should make a voluntary contribution of at least 10% to show support to the State. We, on this side of the House, will robustly support our Government. Of course, there will be political fall-out next June in the local and European Parliament elections. That is the cost of being in Government. The people are proud that we have a Government with Deputy Brian Lenihan as Minister for...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: ——and Deputy Brian Cowen as Taoiseach. Fianna Fáil, along with the Green Party and the Progressive Democrats, are the only ones in a position to govern this State. We take on responsibilities and take the hard decisions. We will face the critics but at the end of the day, Fianna Fáil will still be there. It is the party of the people and has survived longer than any other. We are...

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: We never took a shilling off the old age pensioners like those opposite.

Seanad: Budget Statement 2009: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: It was never forgotten.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: The chickens are coming home to roost.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: What about Deputy Reilly?

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: The Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, made a definitive statement on the over 70s——

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: I will put a question to the Leader regarding the over 70s medical card, which was first issued some years ago. The Minister stated that, if there are anomalies in the scheme, he is prepared to consider the matter. It is for the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, to do so. Will the Leader invite the Minister to the House next week to debate this issue in greater detail? I...

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: As Government Members, it is our job to table reasonable suggestions. The cost is not too prohibitive. In fact, the cost of reassessment will be significant. There is too much assessment already as far as the HSE is concerned.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: In many instances, more money is spent on assessing a medical card than the cost of the card itself. This morning, I contacted the HSE. It is working on the basis of the 2006 guidelines for medical cards, as no new guidelines have been issued in the past two days. There is confusion. As the Minister stated, let any anomalies be clarified. Naturally, I will vote with the Government.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: Senator Boyle made a fair point that the then head of the IMO was not shy in negotiating a golden——

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: ——medical card.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: I am trying to make a case to the Leader.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: Let the facts come out. I am asking the Leader——

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: I am putting a reasonable point.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: I accept that, but just in case someone misrepresents what I am saying, I will reiterate that my proposal is reasonable. If one gives people a commitment, people will plan ahead on that basis. Those who will turn 70 years of age should apply in the normal fashion. This is my suggested compromise.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: The Opposition is not making an issue of the 1% levy, which it introduced in 1983 when Alan Dukes was the Minister for Finance.

Seanad: Order of Business (16 Oct 2008)

Terry Leyden: I want to make a point.