Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

I oppose this section. It deals with many of the issues we have discussed already, such as medical, optical and dental benefits, as well as the medical appliance scheme. This will cost us dearly in terms of dental hygiene and so on. I have spoken to people who will be directly affected by this. I hope people will get their applications in before the end of the year and before this measure is enacted, but I hope the Minister will look at the provision at this late stage. The requirement to keep it is not there. How much does the Minister estimate that limiting these schemes will save the State?