Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish everyone a good morning and thank the Minister of State and Mr. O’Regan for their statements. The Minister of State is welcome and I congratulate her on her work and advocacy in her role so far. I also congratulate her on the Government’s approval this week of the assisted decision-making (capacity) (amendment) Bill. It is an important issue that this committee has been keeping an eye on and for which we have been pushing.

Although there are many issues to discuss, I will start by focusing on just one, that being the transfer of functions from the Department of Health to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth. What is the reason for the delay? Has the delay helped or hindered the Minister of State in her role over disabilities? What about the budgetary handover as well as the transfer of accountability? When can we expect to see the Bill being published?