Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

This matter was discussed this morning and the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has given the outline of his full proposal and its wording. To give the parties more time for consultation we will not proceed yet. There is plenty of time if we wish to do this. There are important issues to be dealt with if we can come to an agreement. The question is whether political agreement can be reached. The work at official level in the Department will be completed this week. These are not politically contentious issues. There seems to be comprehensive agreement on them, though they generate much interest in certain groups and individuals. We will wait for the Minister of State to complete his discussions with the parties.

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