Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I cannot be more specific other than to indicate a timeframe of before 1 January. With respect, Deputy Gilmore was a member of a government. I cannot anticipate the situation but the policy decisions were taken less than two weeks ago. The Government has indicated that legislation will be required to amend the health legislation and we intend to do this in a timely fashion. Given that the new arrangements will take effect on 1 January 2009, we can safely say the Bill will come before the House before that date. I cannot be more specific.

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