Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Fitzgerald's amendment. One of the grounds for the introduction of this Bill is the need to find cost economies, given the difficulties in which we find ourselves at present. Undoubtedly, it would be easier for the public and the Oireachtas to understand the effectiveness of such measures were the Government to produce a regular report informing them of progress on negotiations with GPs in respect of the new medical card scheme.

I will conclude by making an additional point on public understanding — I refer to an earlier comment by the Minister of State that only one member of the public was in the Gallery. That visitor was my constituent. If more members of the public were aware of how quickly this was being moved through the Oireachtas, there would be more people here to listen to the debate.

That lady was here representing 6,000 retired primary school teachers. She was here representing many members of the community. It was a bit rich for the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, to have a go at members of the public or to make a comment about them. They cannot answer back. They are here showing interest in what we are doing——