Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I will be pushing also for the vaccination for young girls aged 12 to be introduced as soon as the economy is right and for free screening for cervical cancer for women over 60.

Sexism is not acceptable, racism is not acceptable but ageism is still acceptable. Until one starts studying it, one does not realise how ageist society is. There is one matter we can be sure about. Please God, we will all get to be over 70 years, and to be 80 and 90 years. Everyone will become an older person.

I agree with Senator Nicky McFadden. I was very impressed by and thrilled with the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, as I told her afterwards, when she got up on that platform in Molesworth Street. She had no fear and she was driven. She wanted to get across her point about how she felt about it. Fair dues to her.

I look forward to us getting the economy back on track and to older people having this entitlement, like the free travel for everyone over 65. Older people deserve it. They have put their backs into it, so to speak, for the country. If a medical card will keep everyone healthier and out of hospital in the long run, then it is a good thing. However, I support the Government on these changes temporarily.