Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

In regard to promised legislation from the Department of Health and Children, I note once again the current status of the eligibility for health and personal social services Bill is "not possible to indicate", as has been the case for so long. I note very worryingly that the spring programme stated publication of the promised mental health (amendment) Bill was expected to be 2010, but we have now been told publication is expected in 2011. The Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney, who is responsible for mental health, is in the House.

The spring programme indicated that publication of the public health (alcohol labelling provisions) Bill and the reference pricing for drugs Bill was expected in 2010 but the current programme states that it is not possible to indicate a publication date. Time after time, as spokesperson for health and children, I, along with other Opposition voices covering this particular portfolio, have highlighted to the Taoiseach the failure of the Department of Health and Children and the Minister to ensure long promised and much needed legislation would be fast tracked. Fast tracking does not come into consideration in regard to this Minister and this Department's work rate in terms of legislation, and I have not mentioned the nurses and midwives Bill.

A very serious situation applies in this Department which merits the Taoiseach's scrutiny as well as that of other Opposition voices. Prior to the Easter recess, I wrote to the Minister for Health and Children asking specific questions in regard to her then recent meeting with Justice for Magdalenes representatives.

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