Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

"We want the elderly to be able to live out their retirement in dignity and security without having to worry about the State confiscating their savings." Those words were spoken by the Tánaiste, Deputy Harney, in 1996. She was in Opposition then but now she is Tánaiste.

I want to refer to the health charges and the €2,000 refund to be made to patients. I am appalled that the entire amount charged is not being refunded. We would be appalled in this House if this was a question of the banking institutions and the recent controversies concerning excessive charges applied to customers.