Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is difficult to listen to Senator Cullinane claim that Independent Members such as Senator O'Donnell have not been independent in this House. On the contrary, I would argue that she has proved her independence on many occasions. To credit Sinn Féin with independent thought, however, is a bit of a stretch.

With regard to the medical card issue, we must face up to the fact that it has been handled very poorly. I agree that the buck stops with the Minister.