Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I am sure the Deputy will be aware of the statements made in the last week, following the publication of the Murphy report, by the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, about the status of the legislation in question. The heads of the Bill are being prepared in the Department of Health and Children as a matter of priority. The Minister of State hopes to bring those heads to the Government for its approval within the next month or so. He will continue to work on the detailed drafting of the Bill thereafter. He will introduce the legislation as soon as practicable and possible. During yesterday's debate on the Murphy report, I outlined in detail the considerations that will have to be taken into account as the legislation is being prepared.

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