Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House for this debate. I support the comments of my Labour Party colleagues and the Fine Gael Members. I remind Members of the Labour Party proposals which were ridiculed by members of the Government parties during the general election, but which are still relevant and vital.

In light of cutbacks, increased charges and people dying on waiting lists, it is madness to put aside 1% of GNP for the pensions reserve fund. The Labour Party proposes that part of this money be invested in the delivery of health infrastructure now. This investment would benefit pensioners now and in the future because they would have a proper health service. It would also save money in the long term because, if investment in our health infrastructure is continually cut back and put off, the money to meet the burden of tackling the needs of the health service will have to come from the tax revenues of the future. This will be at a higher cost and make the pension reserve meaningless in terms of its future value.