Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

On several occasions I have endeavoured to draw the Cabinet's attention to the deteriorating situation on promised legislation from the Department of Health and the Minister for Health. I wish to highlight this deteriorating situation. The health information Bill was committed to in the last term for publication in late 2011. Now it is indicated that publication is expected in mid 2012. Publication was expected for the health (miscellaneous provisions) Bill in 2011 but now it is expected in 2012. Publication was expected for the health (pricing and supply of medicines) Bill in 2011 before the summer recess but now publication is expected in 2012. Publication was expected for the public health (sunbeds) Bill in 2011 and now it is expected in 2012. Most worrying is the mental health (amendment) Bill. Publication was expected in 2011. Not only is it not now promised for 2012, the Government has stated that it is not now possible to indicate when it will be published. I have raised this matter repeatedly in recent weeks. Will the Minister please take on board these concerns? This is a serious and deteriorating situation that merits address by the Minister for Health and his Department. Will the Minister, Deputy Howlin, so intervene?

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