Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

It is less than five weeks to Christmas. The Taoiseach has said that he will introduce the substantial legislation dealing with nursing homes and the care of the elderly, which would result in major changes about which there is a great deal of concern, but there is not enough time to debate that legislation and for its provisions to be implemented by 1 January 2008, as the Taoiseach proposes to do. When will that legislation be published? Will the Taoiseach defer implementation of it to ensure that adequate time is given to discuss the concerns of the representatives of our senior citizens in particular?

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