Order of Business - 16th October 2008

Order of Business - 16th October 2008
Senator David Norris: There is considerable confusion about this medical card business which
has to be cleared up as it could become the equivalent of the tax on shoes which brought down
a previous Government. The Government seduced old people into leaving the VHI and then
left them hanging. We have to scotch the nonsense from Senators on the Government side that
nothing has changed and pensioners will be able to rejoin health insurance schemes on the
same terms they enjoyed previously. Insurance companies have to make profits on their clients
and may offer such disadvantageous terms such that rejoining is of no use to the applicant.
There is, therefore, a cost.
As to the argument that the \80 million will be paid by doctors, while general practitioners
may not receive a cheque from the Government, they will, as sure as hell, extract it from their
sick and elderly patients. The one constant in this business is that the pensioners will still pay.
While I have no problem with means testing, it has to be done properly and one has to hit
those who can pay. It must also be a two way system in that one should means test people not
only to exclude them from a system but also to ensure people are included in a scheme. This
is not currently the case with the result that we are not protecting the weak.
The former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, used to say he was a socialist. I know the
socialist credo — from each according to his means and to each according to his need.
An Cathaoirleach: The Senator should address questions to the Leader.
Senator David Norris: We are taking from people and failing to give to those who are needy.
The same applies in the case of university fees. It is a nonsense to suggest we have free fees.
It was another vote getting exercise. While the question of whether fees should be reintroduced
should be examined, we are taxing people by doubling the capitation fee to \1,500 for all
students. This approach targets everyone. If one were to introduce fees with a proper ceiling,
one would target the people who are in need. This is exactly the same as in the case of
means testing.
I was amazed to hear Senator Regan, a distinguished lawyer, suggest that we flout a treaty.
He also said our democratic vote had alienated large numbers of people in the rest of Europe.
On the contrary, it alienated a large number of senior politicians, whereas the people of Europe
were pleased with what we did and they were right to be so.