Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

I will make a final point. The health data for life expectancy and illnesses show clearly that those who are least well off financially, those dependent on social welfare and those with medical cards, make up the most vulnerable group which this legislation is targeting. The Minister states the evidence is mixed. I refer to the international evidence on the impact of a prescription levy; it indicates that it places a financial burden on the poorest in the community and that any charge has a negative effect on the health of that population group. That is my concern about the Bill. While it is that the Minister will come back with the data, the evidence on those most likely to be affected by the charge may be hidden and difficult to access, which means this group will become more vulnerable and monitoring will be difficult. For these reasons, I oppose the section. It would have been fairer and more socially cohesive to introduce reference pricing. There should have been a greater attack on the pharmaceutical companies before the Minister decided to go after this group. She had a wide choice available to her and the Government as to where savings could be made. I regret that she has decided it should be this group who will provide the revenue saving of €24 million because the levy has the potential to have a serious impact on their health and that of their families. I refer to the international evidence which supports that position.