Regarding the deliberate and disgraceful targeting of savings by withdrawing people's discretionary medical cards, the Taoiseach stated that proposals would go to the Cabinet sub-committee tomorrow. Will he clarify whether these will entail primary legislation or will they require changes to secondary legislation or the administrative guidelines? How is it intended to give effect to the proposals?

It depends on the nature of the decision made. Deputy Shortall is aware from her experience in the Department that the law here was never changed. The problem exists and the problem must be dealt with. I would advise her to wait until the proposals are decided upon to see whether legislation is actually involved or required or not.

In fairness, the Taoiseach made a promise in the House this morning.

I call Deputy Walsh.

I am clarifying. Does that promise entail primary or secondary legislation? The Taoiseach has been telling us for some time-----

No, we cannot have a discussion on this.

-----that, under the law, he cannot deal with this issue.

That is right.

The Taoiseach has given Deputy Shortall an answer.

The issue is not about how applications are being handled. The issue is the relentless-----

Will the Deputy please respect the Chair? I thank her very much.

-----targeting of savings by withdrawing people's discretionary medical cards. The Taoiseach needs to come clean on this matter.

Deputy Shortall, I do not want to have another-----

How will he deal with this or will he deal with it?

Deputy, please recognise the Chair and obey the rules of the House. The Taoiseach has answered the question. Any other question can be dealt with by way of parliamentary question.

I will inform the House when the decision is made.