Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

With regard to the risk equalisation legislation and the health insurance announcement made yesterday by the Minister for Health and Children, I understood the Tánaiste said the legislation would take some time to prepare. The Minister for Health and Children stated yesterday it would be presented before the end of the year. Will the Tánaiste clarify when we are likely to see it?

If it is to take some time for the legislation to be prepared, when is it likely to take effect? The Minister for Health and Children gave the impression yesterday that it would be effective from the beginning of next year. Families are considering what their health insurance bill is likely to be next year. The proposal is such that the health insurance bill of a couple with three children will increase by approximately €500. Such families will want to know when the legislation is likely to take effect. This should be clarified.

With regard to the meeting the Minister for Finance is having today with the heads of the banks, is it intended that he will inform the House after the meeting of its outcome? Is it anticipated that any developments will arise from that meeting between now and next Tuesday, when the Dáil is due to sit again? Are there plans arising from the meeting to recall the House between now and next Tuesday? Will there be any changes made to the business scheduled for next week arising from the meeting between the Minister and the banks?

Approximately 700 summonses for speeding have been struck down on the grounds that the by-laws were not published in Iris Oifigiúil.

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