Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Regarding the first piece of legislation the Deputy is inquiring about, we hope it will be published after Christmas, if not before. Second, I do not have a date for the publication of the eligibility for health and personal social services Bill. That is detailed legislation. Third, on the question the Deputy raised about prescription charges, all options are being examined. We are in the midst of an Estimates and budgetary process but if a decision of that nature were to be taken, it would involve amending legislation.

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