Ulick Burke (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Tánaiste's remarks in the House today as it was necessary for her to make a clear statement on the issue. We must, however, view matters in the context of the circumstances in which she found herself. She is part of a Government with collective responsibility for the scenario in which many people find themselves now.

Many Members spoke of the need for a balanced debate and a reference was made to the launching of Scud missiles by the Opposition. The use of emotive terms fails to acknowledge the reality that illegal deductions were made and demands were put on people over a period of 27 years while successive Governments failed to take action to provide redress. The issue would not have come to a head as soon as it did had it not been for the Government's stroke mentality which prompted it to provide medical cards to all persons aged 70 years and over. We know now that the provision is impossible as a result of which the Government has reneged on it. Perhaps the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, can clarify that matter for the House. Had it not been for Deputies Perry and Kenny, who worked persistently to highlight the problem, notice would not have been taken of it.

Reference has been made to inconsistency. In early December, the Taoiseach said the legislation to be brought forward would not have retrospective effect and that it was never the case that legislation had a retrospective character. A few days later, we found that the Tánaiste had been poorly advised and brought forward retrospectively effective legislation which was subsequently challenged and, happily, thrown out. As I have recorded previously, on 16 December the Tánaiste, as Minister for Health and Children, said it was clearly beyond the Government's financial and administrative ability to repay all the charges accumulated since 1976. She proceeded to announce a €2,000 advance payment as a token of what might be due. Everything about this scenario speaks of uncertainty and confusion.