Fiona O'Malley (Progressive Democrats)

——it is very important that we discuss the real details of what is now available to the over 70s. Many were very surprised to learn the annual sum of money per medical card being paid to general practitioners under the gold card scheme. It amounts to €640 rather than €130 and this is not sustainable.

We also need to recognise other realities in the longer term, irrespective of whether we agree with the principle of universality. The Opposition politicians will be taking a hostage to fortune, and certainly did so when I was at the meeting in the church this morning, in arguing the case for the recipients who have signed up to the scheme. Believing in universality is fine when one is in Opposition and the money is rolling in, but when one must face hard choices——