Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 49 and 52 together.

The legislation for the new nursing home support scheme, a fair deal, is being drafted. The intention is to publish the Bill as soon as possible and to have it in place by 1 January 2008.

The Minister originally announced her proposals for the new nursing home support scheme in December 2006. Information leaflets, a guide to the fair deal and a frequently asked questions document have all been available to the public since. In addition to dealing with queries and representations from interest groups, public representatives and members of the public, the Department also met a number of interested parties, including the social partners, the IFA and the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament.

See this speech in context