Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

Many of them have lain awake every night terrified since the budget was introduced. I am glad the Taoiseach listened to his backbenchers and to my colleagues on the other side of the House. However, universality of services must be continued for people who are sick. The relatives of many people who suffer from Alzheimer's disease have been in contact with us in recent days. People have died prematurely because they have not been able to access health services as they do not have medical cards. In this day and age in a First World country like ours, we must care for the people who have put us where we are today and who have built this State. I ask us in this Chamber to have a level-headed debate about this. It is not about personalities or us individually or politics. It is about the Minister coming to the House and talking in a straight manner to Members about caring for our elderly.