Senator Mary White spoke about Age Action. I agree that the organisation does excellent work on behalf of the elderly. The House had a consultation group on the elderly and a very good report was commissioned. I will not discuss what Fianna Fáil did for the elderly as opposed to what the Government is doing. The reason for the cutbacks over recent years was the state of the country after Fianna Fáil's time in office.

There was a world recession.

As Senator Colm Burke pointed out, medical cards were granted to people over 70 years of age who had an income of €5,000 a week in some instances-----

That is a neo-conservative approach. The Government stated it would abolish fees.

Please allow the Leader to respond to the questions.

People talk about taxing those earning over €100,000-----

Abolish prescription charges.

-----when they gave medical cards to people earning that amount.

Members should allow the Leader to respond.

There was no resort to income. Members opposite cannot have it both ways. They had it that way for so long and had it every way.

We were kind to older people.

They wanted to have it every way and controlled it every way, but they cannot have it any longer.

We will have it every way again.

The people know the facts.

They are lying in wait.

Is the Leader canvassing?

I will come to Senator Paschal Mooney in turn.

Out of respect for the Leader-----

Members should allow the Leader to respond to questions raised on the Order of Business, without interruption.