Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)

I would like to give an example in support of Deputy Kenny's point about promised timescales for Bills not being met. In last autumn's legislative programme, it was indicated that the national monuments Bill would be published in 2008, but the latest list suggests that it will not be published until 2009. As Minister for Finance, the Tánaiste must be concerned that this delay could cost the State money. The Minister, Deputy Gormley, said the other day he anticipates that this country will be fined by the EU as a result of its failure to transpose environmental law. This legislation is one of the relevant Bills in that regard. There is just one environmental Bill on the list for this session. Surely the Government can bring forward the national monuments Bill as a matter of urgency. The Tánaiste said last month that constitutional issues had arisen in respect of the "fair deal" legislation. If additional moneys are available as a result, perhaps they can be used to address the HSE's cuts in respite care in west Dublin.

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