Fergal Browne (Fine Gael)

In her speech on Second Stage yesterday, the Tánaiste referred to certain age limits in respect of some aspects of the insurance scheme. She said:

No applications will be accepted from claimants who are over 75 years of age, even during the first year of the scheme. Cover will cease for every claimant who reaches that age.

Senator White has led the way in the House on the issue of ageism. Will the Minister of State clarify the purpose of this provision? I am concerned it constitutes a form of ageism but I may be misreading it.