Medical card prescription charge
Senator Leyden asks for a debate with the Health Minister on the retention of the 50-cent medical card charge, calling it a broken election promise.
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 Obviously, they are no longer as weak, sick or vulnerable because the Minister has not withdrawn the charge.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.
Comment on this
Yes. I want the Leader to arrange a debate with the Minister for Health to outline to the House the reasons for his backtracking and somersaulting on these commitments and the betrayal of the electorate. There will not be a by-election shortly in any of the constituencies in the South, but if there were, it would present a great opportunity for the Government to put its mandate to the people again and determine the result. Fine Gael will not be given a seat in any by-election held between now and the next general election.
There is no other mandate.
Comment on this
Senator Leyden should not presume what the people will do.
Comment on this
Only for my party's support on the fiscal treaty it would have be beaten because there was certainly an opportunity for the people to revolt in that regard.