Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

One would need a permanent team of plumbers here to deal with all the leaks. Legislation to establish the health information and quality authority, and the Irish social services inspectorate on a statutory basis was promised for this year. I note, however, that it is now scheduled for 2006. On the last occasion I raised this delay, the Tánaiste said it was due to the fact that legislation was necessary to process the establishment of the HSE. She said the health Bill and other Bills, including the nurses Bill, were being delayed as a result. The HSE is now long established so I would like to know what is the barrier to progressing this legislation in the Department of Health and Children.

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