The list of increases in taxes and charges since the election is phenomenal. In the health area, a visit to a hospital casualty department – where one may have to wait hours before being seen – now costs €40. In 2001, VHI charges were increased by 9% followed by a larger 18% increase which was announced, unsurprisingly and following the general election, in September 2002. The failure to increase the thresholds for medical cards has meant that a swathe of people, including pensioners under the age of 70 years, does not qualify for medical cards. The threshold for the drugs payment scheme has risen to €70, which means that people have to pay more for essential drugs. There has been 13% of charges on domestic ESB bills. College registration fees have increased by 69%, effectively abolishing free fees. Bin charges have also increased throughout the country at a much higher rate than inflation. The TV licence fee has risen to €150, which is a substantial increase. Bank card charges have increased by 108%, one of the most obvious stealth taxes introduced in the last budget.