Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

We need a dose of realism in respect of the household charge. I said this before in respect of the payment of commercial rates. People who are paying commercial rates should place on their front door or front window the amount of rates that they are paying to local authorities. One might walk into a paint shop to buy paint and paintbrushes. The shop might be only 1,000 sq. ft., but the shop owner will be paying €9,000 per annum in commercial rates. The bill for commercial rates in a shoe shop might be €22,000. We need a small dose of realism in respect of the €100 charge. By the end of the year, almost 2 million people will have medical cards, and this is a clear indication that despite the pressures on the State, the Government is making sure that there are adequate provisions on health care and social welfare. There are difficulties in certain areas, but they are being dealt with. However, I do think a dose of realism is required.

I spoke some time ago about the need for the introduction of a patient medication card, which is very similar to a Visa card. Everybody would have it and their files would be stored on computers, so we could eliminate giving out prescriptions and we would have immediate access to medical records. An argument is being made that it will take us ten years to implement that, but I do not agree. Over 40% of people will be on medical cards by the end of the year.