Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Publication of the nurses and midwives Bill has been promised for this autumn session. We have waited for the publication of this legislation for many years. Can the Taoiseach indicate to the House if we will see this Bill before the Christmas recess?

Regarding the prescription charges now proposed by the Minister for medical card holders, will that require amending legislation of either health Acts or pharmacy Acts before that can be driven home, in my view disgracefully, by this Government?

What are the implications for the inordinately long awaited publication of the eligibility for health and personal social services Bill?

While in the realm of health and children, and with the Minister by his side, would it be possible for the Taoiseach to ask the Minister to face up to her responsibilities regarding acute hospital services in the north east where we now have one hospital with all its acute services closed since July-----

See this speech in context