Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

That really puts my contribution in the ha'penny place.

Will the Leader ask the Minister for Health and Children to come in here and talk to us about the inclusion of illnesses such as lupins, asthma and hypertension in the long-term illness scheme? What is the difference between diabetes and hypertension when it comes to paying bills? The drugs payment scheme has increased. A person I know suffers from lupins and is trying her best to work and not be on disability, but she is a middle income earner and is being penalised. It seems most inequitable that a person suffers from a particular illness and is penalised.

Has the Leader had an opportunity to speak with the Minister for Transport on the debate I demanded last week on the Mullingar to Athlone rail link and the Killucan railway station? I concur with Senator Keaveney on how important rail transport is for regional areas.