Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I wish to raise four matters. The first arises from the Taoiseach's reply to Deputy Kenny. I understood him to say the nursing homes legislation would not be introduced until later in the year at the earliest. Where does that leave all the families who have made plans on the basis that the new legislation would come into effect and who are now caught in a situation where some nursing homes have increased their charges in anticipation of the legislation and families have made plans? Will a Supplementary Estimate be introduced by the Department of Health and Children to address the issue?

Second, the heads of the civil partnership Bill have been posted on the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform's website. I welcome that but we must study them. Will the Taoiseach confirm the commitment given by the Minister for Defence on "Questions and Answers" last night that the Bill will be published within the next three weeks?

Third, when will the Government introduce legislation to regulate management companies for private housing estates and private apartments?

Fourth, will the Government introduce legislation to amend the Youth Work Act 2001 arising from the decision to transfer responsibility for youth services from the Department of Education and Science to the Department of Health and Children following the appointment of my constituency colleague, Deputy Barry Andrews, as Minister with responsibility for children? When will it be published?

See this speech in context