Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

I wish to raise two issues. The first is the promised legislation on health insurance. The risk equalisation legislation was struck down by the courts and it has been replaced by a crude levy as a temporary measure. In the context of difficulties faced by Quinn Insurance and potential difficulties for other health insurance companies, does the Government plan to fast-track the comprehensive legislation planned? There is a great deal of concern among people who have health insurance that their policies are in difficulty. What is the timeframe for the legislation? It should be speeded up because we need proper legislation to underpin the current health insurance system until universal health insurance is introduced by the next Government.

With regard to head shops, my colleague, Deputy Costello, and I published legislation on behalf of the Labour Party to make such shops subject to planning law. It is innocuous legislation, with which every Member would agree. Will the Taoiseach consider accepting the Bill and bringing it forward as Government legislation, which would mean it would be dealt with more speedily?

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