Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

No. I had raised a question with regard to the Order Paper. Particular to the Order Paper is the rescheduling once again of the resumed Second Stage of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008. Before agreeing to the Order of Business, I wish to know whether, if Second Stage concludes today, it is intended to proceed immediately to Committee Stage. If that is the case, by what means will the Government advise the Opposition parties of its intentions in regard to funding and the actual implementation — the working — of the proposals contained in the Bill? At this point in time, we do not have that specific detail. In terms of preparation for Committee Stage, which is critical in terms of amendments, we need to be informed of how the Government intends to implement and fund this, and if its intention is to achieve both of those in 2009. Will the Taoiseach clarify the position?

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