Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The health Bill, which is to provide for the establishment on a statutory basis of the health information equality authority and the Irish social services inspectorate, also covers a statutory framework for the handling of complaints within the health services. It takes account of the review of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990 and the 1993 regulations, and of the efforts made within the HSE since it took over at the beginning of the year to integrate the ten systems which were in existence and see how this will best work in future while operating independently of the HSE.

Therefore, it concerns many policy issues and reviews. I understand the concern of Deputies but it is not a question of racing on with legislation. The issues must be thought through. Hopefully, all the work will be finished so the Bill will come before the House on our return. It is not a question of a Bill which the Office of the Attorney General can draw up overnight. I have talked to people concerned and they have advised me this is the position. Hopefully we will have the Bill before the House in the autumn.

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