Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for the opportunity to speak on this topic. I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Hoctor, to the House and thank her for her work, to date, on behalf of older persons.

The Health Bill sets out how the Government intends to legislate for the changes announced in the budget regarding the provision of medical cards to those aged over 70 years. The country faces an unfavourable economic climate in which our resources will be more stretched than ever. In the 2009 budget, the Government made a number of decisions regarding the State's finances. In an ideal scenario, everyone aged over 70 years would receive a medical card, our acknowledgement of their contribution to the society that we have the good fortune to enjoy. The decision to remove their automatic entitlement makes no Senator happy, yet legislators are beholden under the principle of responsible governance to act decisively and responsibly with our limited financial resources.

In 2009, the Government will raise €10 million less per day than it will spend. In these circumstances, it behoves us to find ways to save and to ensure our limited amount of money is spent where it is most required. We do not have enough to undertake everything that we would like to do. Some families are not entitled to medical cards, as the relevant limits are more restrictive. They are to the pin of their collars. Given these facts, we cannot justify an automatic entitlement for millionaires aged over 70 years or those who can afford to pay.

The initial announcement of the change, the confusion regarding thresholds and the lack of available information caused anxiety and fear among the elderly. For a number of days, people endured distress, fear and hurt unnecessarily. We can never erase the hurt caused. The Taoiseach has apologised, as the Government's initial announcement unintentionally caused distress to one of the most vulnerable sectors of society. I welcome the clarifications of and subsequent changes to the scheme.

The measures outlined in the Bill are fair and responsible. A single person aged over 70 years will still be entitled to a medical card if his or her income is less than €700 per week, as will couples whose income is less than €1,400 per week. These limits provide ample scope for enabling the most vulnerable among the elderly, namely, those on low incomes, to keep their medical cards. As announced, every citizen whose only income is a State pension will automatically retain his or her medical card from 2 March 2009. Single people or couples whose incomes exceed the thresholds, but who believe they require medical cards, can apply to the HSE for discretionary medical cards stating medical needs.

In recent years, the Government has made improving the services for the elderly and their quality of life and entitlements a priority. We have made substantial progress in this regard, including the greatest ever expansion in services for the elderly. We have introduced home care packages. A few years ago, almost no elderly person received nursing or therapy care at home. This type of care was normally provided in hospitals or nursing homes. This year, more than 10,000 people will benefit. In addition to home care packages, we expanded the number of home help hours by more than 500,000. In 2007, approximately 53,000 people received home help services, involving more than 11.75 million home help hours. Since 2005, approximately 2,500 additional places in day and respite care centres have been created. The budget for services for the elderly has increased by more than €540 million.

Life expectancy in Ireland is above the EU average for the first time. Our rapid increase in life expectancy since 1999 is unmatched by any EU country. In terms of tax and social welfare, the number of positive changes that we have made has resulted in a much improved situation, a better quality of life and superior entitlements and benefits for the elderly.

I will take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Minister of State and the HSE for the current campaign on the prevention of abuse of the elderly. I welcome the practical steps employed, including the awareness campaign, the provision of a dedicated telephone number for people to report their concerns and the follow-up on the ground by public health nurses. I encourage people to familiarise themselves with the information on some of the risks and dangers facing the elderly and to pass on any relevant concerns, particularly as we approach Christmas.