It is difficult to listen to Senator David Cullinane claim that Independent Members such as Senator Marie-Louise 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.

The Senator should tell him that.

The real problem, however, is that the system is flawed and requires us now to take stock. In fact, there was an acknowledgement before the elections that the system is not working well. It is an issue that requires a great deal of careful attention in the coming weeks. We as a Government must show that we care for and have empathy with people who are vulnerable.

The comments made regarding my friend and colleague, Senator Lorraine Higgins, are outrageous. Unfortunately, we have all become too used to that type of negative commentary. When I had a harmless enough article about sugar published in a newspaper some time ago - I realise that I probably bore everybody by going on about the health effects of alcohol and sugar - I was subjected to a large number of very negative personal comments. I do not know why I read them. There is a growing view that it is unacceptable for people sitting at home in their armchairs to conduct themselves in this way on social media.

As Senator Michael Mullins suggested, it is something we should debate in this House in the near future. We have had some discussions on it before but it is something we should keep on the agenda.