Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

I have already stated that the health (long-term residential care services) Bill is intended to be published in this session. The eligibility for health and personal social services Bill and the nurses and midwives Bill are both listed for 2009. The reason for the delay in the latter is the public consultation process that took place between 30 November 2007 and the end of February 2008. More than 200 submissions were received and are being examined. It is expected the heads of the Bill will not be drafted until after the summer. That legislation will not be brought forward until 2009.

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