Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the Deputy's question on the recapitalisation issue, it is a matter for the Whips to discuss if people want statements. To hear the views of the House would be no harm and might be helpful. Some statements at some time during the week could be considered, but it is important to point out that timetables are involved. Depending on what type of recapitalisation were to emerge, various timetables apply in terms of rights issues. They are far longer than the House's break for the Christmas period. I want to emphasise that the Government is in a negotiating position. Therefore, the question of statements might be helpful in that context, but we should not go beyond it at this point.

The HSE service plan is for 2009 and can be discussed at any time by the House in the course of 2009. There are statutory requirements for the laying of the plan before the Houses of the Oireachtas, which I understand were complied with by the Minister for Health and Children. Therefore, the agreement of a service plan does not of itself require a legislative change. Under existing legislation, it can be laid before the Houses and discussed during the course of the next session.

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