Nicky McFadden (Fine Gael)

I concur entirely with Fine Gael's acting leader, Senator Maurice Cummins, on how the banks are running roughshod over the Minister and I compliment Senator Boyle on speaking so frankly and showing gumption by standing up and stating the case as it is. I regret this did not arise in last week's debate. It is quite repulsive that the banks still call the shots in deciding how they will appoint their personnel. It is disgusting and I feel sorry for the Minister that he is so embarrassed.

On the Adjournment debate I raised the fact that medical cards for all those aged over 70 are dealt with centrally in Dublin. I got through to the local office this morning after calling the freefone number repeatedly for three days but officials there could not help me, even though they went out of their way in trying to do so. I spoke to a lovely person who told me that I was lucky to have reached the office because up to 30 people could be waiting in the telephone queue. The website advised people over the age of 70 years to contact the HSE by e-mail or freefone but did not provide a contact name. This is the sole recourse available to a person who was given a medical card only to have it cold-heartedly removed in one fell swoop. The gentleman in question is attending a pain specialist and will have to purchase expensive medication. His circumstances have not changed in any shape or form. The official with whom I spoke referred the matter to her supervisor for a response. I demand that the Minister for Health and Children defend her policies before the House. I received a letter from her stating she was forwarding a question on open heart surgery on a baby with Down's syndrome to the HSE. However, when I telephone the HSE, I receive no positive answer for the over 70s. Where does the buck stop?