Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We will have a debate on the Sea Fisheries and Maritime Jurisdiction (Fixed Penalty Notice) Bill 2013 here this evening and some of those points will be raised again with the Minister. Senator Ó Domhnaill mentioned pensioners losing medical cards. Some 97% of people aged over 70 have medical cards and it is expected that 97% will have them even after the cuts and amendments to the medical card scheme.

Senator Landy spoke about charges for blood tests to GPs for people who have medical cards. Those questions could be addressed to the Minister of State, Deputy White, directly to give clarity. If that is not possible, Senator Landy could put down an Adjournment debate matter to get the clarity he requires. Senator Paul Coghlan called for a debate on the report of US special envoy, Richard Haas, when it is published. He also outlined that the long overdue Smithwick report will be presented soon. We can arrange a debate in this House on that matter. Senator Mullins raised the new national groundwater vulnerability map system, which is very significant and will benefit everybody involved and local authorities in particular.