Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Taoiseach provided a number of replies earlier in respect of legislation on nursing homes. Would it be possible to re-prioritise that matter? Last year, we had seven examples of emergency legislation introduced by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, and other Ministers did so also. It appears that if real priority is accorded to some legislation it can come before the House. I do not know the difficulties the parliamentary draftsman is having with this legislation, but in view of the national concern about this issue can something be done urgently to introduce the Bill? I am sure Members of all parties will be willing to support the Government in establishing the proper legislative framework to avoid a continuation of such a scandal.

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