John Gilroy (Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is important that we act responsibly and the words we use are those of responsible Senators. There is no question that we are introducing fear of persons losing their medical cards in the sense that Senator MacSharry has casually mentioned there. This is a targeted measure aimed at those who have pension funds, perhaps to the value of ¤650,000, who will also benefit from GP only cards and the prescription scheme. It is important that the message does not go out of this House that we are removing medical cards from those who are in bad need and the most vulnerable sector of society.