Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

The Minister for Health and Children gave a commitment that the health information and quality authority Bill would be introduced at the same time as the legislation establishing the Health Service Executive. That did not happen, despite the undertaking from the Government. The Health Act 2004 was passed last December but we still have not seen the other Bill. In view of the terrible findings regarding private nursing homes, will the Taoiseach not uncouple the inspectorate legislation from the information and quality authority Bill and introduce the inspectorate Bill as a priority during this session? The other legislation can take its course. Surely the Taoiseach will accept that this is urgent. To tie the two measures will lead to more delay rather than give this sector the urgent attention which it requires.

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