Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

We do not need Fine Gael Deputies and Senators around the country engaged in a sordid campaign of exploitation. The Government will honour its commitment. The same Deputies who are complaining seem to be those who are promoting all the good the Government has done in the constituencies in the form of a guide to people's entitlements for 2005. However, these people complain about what has been achieved by the Government, while exploiting what it has contributed.

I commend this detailed report and hope we can discuss it more fully tomorrow. Let us get on with the business. There will be a considerable cost to the State. Each case should be addressed on its merits. We must take responsibility on this issue. It is regrettable and will cost a considerable amount of money — possibly up to €2 billion — but we have a responsibility to those patients and we must honour it, open the vaults and provide the money.