Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

It is interesting to note that at least there is an alternative in the House. While there seems to be unanimity between the Government parties and the two, so-called main, Opposition parties, there is an Opposition voice here that acknowledges that the deficit must be addressed but which has provided an argument for a very different course to be taken.

On promised legislation, will the Tánaiste say why it is, once again, that the health information Bill has been put back for yet another year? Will she confirm that the heads of that Bill have been agreed? Will she use her office to ensure that the heads of the Bill are circulated in the spirit in which the former Taoiseach indicated, that heads of the Bill would indeed be provided to the Opposition spokespersons and parties? This practice has not been taken up by the Department of Health and Children. Will the Tánaiste indicate if the health information Bill will be given a priority status, whatever that might mean within the Department or the Government, and be brought forward speedily?

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