Health Bill passed in the Seanad

Updated: 17:18, Friday, 12 December 2008

The Government's Health Bill has been passed by the Seanad and is to be signed into law by the Presidential Commission.

1 of 1 David Norris Call for Green Party to leave Government
David Norris
Call for Green Party to leave Government

The Government won the Seanad vote 27-15.

The Bill gives effect to the Government decision to withdraw the automatic entitlement of medical cards for over 70s.

During the Seanad debate Independent Senator David Norris called on the Green Party to get out of the 'corrupt and discredited' Government.

Fianna Fáil's Geraldine Feeney said she supported the Bill and said she agreed with the principle that those on high incomes should have to pay for their own medical care.

Sen Feeney claimed that Fine Gael's Jerry Buttimer had made a gesture to her and said Sen Buttimer would lose his seat in the House if she was to say what he did.

Sen Buttimer said Sen Feeney had made an unparliamentary remark about a Fine Gael colleague.

Fianna Fáil Senator Mary White said she will be pushing for the reintroduction of medical cards for all those over 70 'once the economy is right'.

The Health Bill passed through all stages in the Dáil yesterday and a vote in the Seanad is due later today.

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