Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The question of debates on reports, produced by the Mental Health Commission or otherwise, is a matter for the Whips. I do not have an adverse view on these matters if an appropriate occasion can be agreed between the Whips. I do not believe the mental health (amendment) Bill will be available this year. That is my latest information. With regard to a debate on the report that is to be published today, it is a 3,500 page report. It must be considered and studied and a debate brought forward in an appropriate and timely way. It is important that all parties, including Departments, be given an opportunity to consider the report. It is an important report which deserves consideration by the House in due course. That must be done in a calm and collected way upon full and proper scrutiny of the report and all its implications.

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