Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Members for their contributions and assistance in passing the legislation. Senator Henry referred to the cost of drugs, on which a significant percentage of our budget is expended annually. That could be the subject of a good debate in the House in the future.

Regarding the treatment of the elderly, a mistake was made, and we will ensure that those who are entitled to a refund are paid as quickly as possible. We are finalising a scheme that will be announced shortly. We have already invited those who think they are entitled to a refund to log their names with us, and we will be in contact with them as soon as details of the scheme are available, which will be very shortly. We must rectify a wrong that was done, and we will be quite happy to do so. We assure people that it will be done as quickly as possible. The system we hope to put in place will be as transparent as possible, and no legal assistance will be required for people entitled to a refund; it will be paid as quickly as possible.

Senator Browne mentioned medical cards. The reason so many people are not qualifying is that incomes for thousands of families throughout the country have substantially increased as a result of how the economy has grown. That is the main reason people no longer qualify for medical cards. As Senator Henry said, the new doctor-only card is a very innovative initiative that will make a big difference everywhere. Its operation will be reviewed but it is an excellent idea worthy of support. I thank Members for their support for it today.

I thank the staff from the Department for their assistance. It has obviously not been an easy time for them over the past few weeks, but I very much appreciate their assistance and support to me since I took up office last September. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.