Mary Henry (Independent)

I thank the Minister for an interesting contribution. I am sure he was as disappointed as Members when the other 200,000 medical cards did not materialise after the last election. I take seriously what Senator Feeney said about the improvement in our economic situation. However, Senator Feighan was right when he mentioned the incredibly low cut-off point for medical cards. It is €138 gross for single people. PRSI contributions may be taken out, but people at that level are still paying tax. The rate for those over 66 years of age is €151.

I welcomed the introduction of medical cards for those over 70 years of age. However, I said at the time that I thought it would be better if a lower income level was expanded to everyone. Why did the Department not realise that there were 30% more people over 70 years of age than it expected? That was extraordinary. I am glad the Minister is working on the GMS lists now because they must be revised. A sum of €20 a day is a terribly low income level. It is about half the cost of a visit to a doctor. As Senator Feighan said, for a married couple with two children it costs €250 which is appalling. One visit to the doctor costs €35 if one member of the family is ill. There is a huge poverty trap here.