Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

With regard to the promised legislation referred to by the Minister for Finance in his banking statement, his Department and the Office of the Attorney General are working on resolution and reorganisation legislation, which will allow for the implementation of the reorganisation measures specific to Anglo Irish Bank and the Irish Nationwide Building Society. This will also address the issue of burden-sharing with regard to subordinated debt. The Department is working with the Attorney General in order to have the legislation before the House as soon as possible. I am not in a position to give an exact timeframe but we are hopeful and confident that this legislation can come to the House very soon.

On the other issue raised, there has been protracted procurement difficulties but I am assured by the HSE that the requisite finances are available for the provision of the new unit and some preparatory work has been carried out in St. Vincent's hospital with a view to having the contract completed soon.

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