Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Will the Leader arrange for the Minister for Health, Deputy James Reilly, to come to the House to consider the broken promises made in the general election of 2011? I refer specifically to the 50 cent charge for medical card holders, introduced in 2010 because of the financial conditions at the time. The charge, capped at €10 per month, brings in revenue of approximately €27 million. The Minister made a commitment to the electorate in regard to the charge, with which commitment people were very impressed. Having canvassed in Roscommon-South Leitrim, I realise the waiving of the charge was regarded as very important among medical card holders. They considered it very unfair and were very impressed by the commitment given by Fine Gael. The people gave Fine Gael two seats in Roscommon-South Leitrim, although it now has only one. The Minister said in the House at the time that he condemned the charge as it was aimed at the most vulnerable, sickest and weakest. Suddenly they were very well and did not seem to be affected at all. Obviously, they are no longer as weak, sick or vulnerable because the Minister has not withdrawn the charge.

The Minister closed the accident and emergency unit in Roscommon County Hospital in the approach to its first anniversary after having made a clear, unambiguous commitment to keep it open. He did not restore cancer services in Sligo, which matter was highlighted before and after the general election by my colleague, Senator Marc MacSharry.