Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Incorrect information is being furnished and it is part of the debate we are having. A married couple with two children on one income of €25,000 will be €1,000 better off as a result of the budget. That is over €21 per week. A married couple with two children earning €55,000 will be €30 per week better off, or €1,500 per annum. That is the reality of the budget. It is about looking after people with young families. That is what this budget did.

I am a bit concerned about Senator Leyden's contribution. While I agree with him that we need to negotiate with GPs, we did not promise to give medical cards to children aged between six and 12. We promised to give GP cards. I will discuss the matter with the Senator after the Order of Business to explain what the difference is.