Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The dentists Bill has been removed from the legislative programme. This is long promised legislation. As a consequence of the withdrawal of the dental scheme, many people dependent on the medical card are suffering. What is the explanation for this and what steps does the Taoiseach propose to take to have the Bill returned to the legislative programme? Will he undertake to fast-track its introduction in the House?

The new social partnership agreement was finalised recently and is now the subject of debate across the trade union movement. When will the Dáil have the opportunity to debate it? Will we get that opportunity in the near future and is legislation required? The promise was made time and again, particularly after the Irish Ferries debacle, that there would be no repeat of what was experienced on that occasion. However, we now see Aer Lingus — Irish Ferries mark 2 — promising to replicate this devastating blow on Irish workers. Will legislation be brought forward and will we have the debate on the new social partnership agreement in the House soon?

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