Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Senator Fitzgerald has mentioned two issues of concern for the vulnerable people this budget has failed. Many Senators have discussed how many people struggle due to the failures and shortfalls in the child care subvention scheme. The second issue is people's entitlements to medical cards. Given recent performance, we should have been able to expand medical card eligibility in a proper and meaningful way. Everyone in the medical world has clamoured for it. Through the Leader, I plead with the Government to give the matter further consideration. It can be addressed in the finance Bill.

I agree with Senators' comments on the plight of the Colombian Green Party politician, Íngrid Betancourt. Before people rush off to Colombia, arrangements should be made for the proposed all-party motion. The Seanad can take the lead and the Lower House will follow. The Minister for Foreign Affairs should pursue the matter with his colleagues at European level in order that we can have a united approach.

The Leader did not mean to mislead the House, as he is concerned about accuracy——