Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

There is quite a long list of legislation which will be presented in the health area. The heads of the health information Bill, to which Deputy Ó Caoláin referred, were approved by the Government some time ago and it is expected it will be published later this year. The health (miscellaneous provisions) Bill is also due this year. The health and social care professionals Bill is due in 2012. The health insurance (miscellaneous provisions) Bill is due this year. No date has yet been indicated for the licensing of health care facilities Bill. The mental health (amendment) Bill is also due this year. Those are among the legislation to be brought forward.

Issues in the primary care area are being progressed by the Minister for Health. The Government has appointed a Minister of State with particular responsibility for primary care and that work is proceeding.

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