Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

There will be many examples of hypocrisy in the voting pattern in this House today and tomorrow. I urge the Taoiseach to withdraw this Bill. We in Sinn Féin absolutely oppose the reneging on the commitment already given to over 70s to an entitlement for all to a medical card. This is a retrograde step, one that moves away from what we would wish to see in place, namely, universal entitlement to medical care for all citizens on the basis of need and need alone. We will oppose this retrograde Bill at every opportunity.

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