Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The matters referred to will be dealt with in the House. Arrangements have been made for this year's session to be longer than last year's. Arrangements have been in place for some time in the House to use the week of the June bank holiday for the purposes of ensuring that the Dáil does not meet in plenary session on that day, but all the issues raised by the party leaders this morning will be dealt with, and need to be dealt with.

The legislation regarding an inspectorate for public and private nursing homes will be ready later this year. The new framework will include more clarity on standards and more rights for patients and families, and will ensure that nursing homes meet modern-day standards with regard to health, safety and employment.

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