Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

There is no specific debate promised in the House but there is a debate taking place on pensions arising from the detailed actuarial reviews and the Green Paper on pensions. As many as 32 written submissions have been forwarded to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs on foot of publication of that important document. There were over 2,000 hits on the website, which demonstrates people's interest in the matter.

Owing to the complexity and importance of the pensions issue, consultation on the options that should be considered in the coming months represents the best way to proceed. The House can, with the agreement of the Whips, debate this matter at any time deemed appropriate to all Members. A debate has already taken place in the Seanad.

There has been considerable market turbulence in recent months which has affected many sectors. It is a question of ensuring the return of market stability as quickly as possible. That is what we are trying to achieve at European and every other level. Clearly, the issue will ebb and flow as market sentiment changes.

On the nursing homes legislation, the Bill is due to be taken in the House this session. I must speak to the Minister for Health and Children about whether it would be helpful to produce the heads of the Bill at this stage, given that the legislation should be published in full in the coming weeks.

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