Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I have a couple of ceisteanna regarding the health information Bill, the sale of alcohol Bill, the children first Bill and the clár an Rialtas. When will the health information Bill and sale of alcohol Bill be published? I recently read a report which revealed that there are 150,000 alcoholics in this State and that 1.35 million people are problem drinkers. Mar atá a fhios againn, ní aithníonn daoine go bhfuil fadhb acu. The issue of binge drinking is on the increase. The sale of alcohol Bill is important legislation which we welcome. However, when will it be published?

On the children first Bill, another report, this time from EUROSTAT, revealed that the average monthly crèche fees in this State are among the highest in Europe and that Ireland is one of the two states wherein child care workers are not required to have minimum qualifications. While there are many good child care workers the regulation of child care is, as I am sure the Taoiseach will agree, crucial to protect children and reassure parents. When will the new qualification requirements for the child care sector come into effect and when will the children's first Bill become law?

The clár an Rialtas commits to the promotion of recognition of Irish sign language. The Taoiseach will be aware that deaf citizens are marginalised and socially isolated. They are a minority group within society. The programme for Government commitment is a good one but funding for the national advocacy service for deaf people has been cut. Can this decision be reversed?

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