Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The heads of the Medical Practitioners Bill have been agreed. It is just that there are other priorities. The Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill is receiving all the attention on the legislative side. There is also a hepatitis Bill and other legislation. Other priorities have meant that the Medical Practitioners Bill has been delayed.

Work is being done on the revenue Bill in the Department. The final decisions on the provisions to be included will have to be considered in the context of the timing and availability of the report of the Moriarty tribunal, the terms of reference of which overlap with the issues to be addressed in the Bill. The Bill is not expected to be advanced for some time.

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