Michael McCarthy (Labour)

On the medical card issue, it is my understanding that the Government will now have to repeal the Health Act to give effect to the most recent changes. If that is the case, can we get an assurance from the Minister for Health and Children, through the Leader, that the Minister will not interfere with those income limits next year? It is not certain whether those limits will stand next year and if the current economic crisis is not resolved by then, it is likely that the Government can change limits to suit it. On the medical cards disaster, how much of the €100 million will be saved as a result of this 11th hour U-turn?

We have seen an excellent display of organised protest from the representatives of those aged over 70 and those in that category who will apply for the card in the near future. It is disrespectful and demeaning for anybody to suggest they were not capable of organising the transport themselves.