Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

I was asked by Deputy Kenny about legislation to establish the Health Information and Quality Authority. On Tuesday, the Government approved the heads of that Bill and it is being published for an eight week period of consultation, which will lead to better debate in this House. It is hoped we will have the full Bill by the summer recess.

Accident and emergency is a priority. Proportionately speaking, we have the same number of beds as the UK, even though our population of over 65s is 11% as against 17%.

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