Following on Senator Ned O'Sullivan's comments on reflection regarding last Friday's result, will the Leader ask the Government to reflect on the proposed changes in local government which will mean the decimation of local government as we understand it? There was an attempt last week to rush through the Local Government Bill, which I am glad to say was seen off. If we are reflecting, we should reflect on politics across the board in this country from town councils upwards.

I ask the Leader to pass that message on to the Taoiseach. I raise the terror that has been rained on people who are being asked to have their medical cards reviewed, particularly elderly people.

Medical cards are being withdrawn without the chance for people to do the necessary paperwork. For me, this was brought to a head in recent days when an 83 year old man whom I was helping and representing contacted me to state he was to have surgery this week but still had no medical card. This is an absolute disgrace. He has a low income and there is no reason his card should have been withdrawn. He returned the review forms to be told his card was being withdrawn. I ask the Leader to request that the HSE come to the House and explain what is happening with medical cards. It is unacceptable that the vulnerable in our society are treated like this and I want an answer.