Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I thank Members for their contributions. Senator Twomey listed a number of health related issues such as access to medical cards for people who are newly unemployed and the difficulties faced by eye, ear and throat patients and home helps. I will inquire whether the Minister for Health and Children might be available for an omnibus debate or specific debates on these issues. The House will have an opportunity to debate the issue of elder abuse next week. That might be a good starting point to discuss the home helps issue if the Senator and others want to make use of that opportunity. He also made helpful comments on issues such as controlling barristers' fees and the transfer of long-term patients into community care. The House should do as much as possible to progress these issues.

Senator Twomey also raised the issue of job losses which became a theme for several Members. Senator O'Toole referred to the statement made by a director of IBEC on the issue of social welfare cuts. The Government has no intention of changing the minimal income standards of those dependent on social welfare.