A large turnout is expected at a second protest over the medical cards issue today. The Irish Senior Citizens' Parliament is organising the rally, beginning at 12.30pm outside the Dáil.
Its chief executive Máiréad Hayes said the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament welcomed the easing of restrictions on medical cards for the over-70s, but the rally would go ahead.
The rally has been supported by a range of businesses including taxi drivers and restaurants.
Siptu's Chris Jones said his members were willing to provide free taxis to people attending the protest in the Dublin area. Cafe chain Insomnia has offered free coffee to all over-70s from noon to 1.30pm in its cafes near the Dáil, on Dawson Street, South Leinster Street and Nassau Street. And care worker providers, Comfort Keepers, is setting up a stand to offer free tea and coffee.
The Yew Tree restaurant in Roscommon has offered refreshments to any older people passing by today.
Another protest will be held in Limerick this weekend. It will begin at 2pm on Saturday outside the Jesuit Church in O'Connell Avenue. Some 100 people demonstrated outside Willie O'Dea's office on Saturday over the issue.