Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

I am obliged to answer the charges made by Deputy Fahey. Deputy Reilly, my colleague, has been accused of this, that and the other. However, Deputy Martin introduced the free medical card for the over 70s as a political stunt without carrying out negotiations with the doctors, the Department of the Health and Children or the health boards and he underestimated its cost. He has been exonerated by Government backbenchers but, hopefully, he will not be by the people. As Minister for Foreign Affairs, he has washed his hands of everything that happened over the past week while his colleagues carried the burden and he hopes to return on his white steed in a few years when, hopefully, Fianna Fáil will be in opposition.

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