Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Does the Government have plans to withdraw the section of the programme for Government dealing with health and bring before the House a more realistic programme for Government in this regard? It belongs to fantasy land at this stage. Very little of it has seen reality and very little of it will. That said, I seek clarification on promised legislation contained in the programme. It states a system of universal health insurance will be introduced by 2016, with the legislative and organisational groundwork for the system to be completed within the Government's term of office. Will the Taoiseach indicate when this legislation will be introduced?

The Government has indicated and promised a review of the fair deal system of financing nursing home care. More than 2,500 people have been waiting 20 weeks to be granted eligibility under the scheme, which is causing immense stress and anxiety. This is due to the lack of resources the Government has provided for the scheme. Will the Taoiseach indicate when the review of the fair deal scheme will be produced and when changes will occur to ensure people will not be waiting as long as they are at present?

Legislation has been promised on assisted human reproduction, including to the law relating to parental relationships arising from assisted human reproduction. The Minister, Deputy Leo Varadkar, recently stated it was a priority. Will the Taoiseach indicate when the heads of the Bill will be published? Will the Taoiseach again clarify the commitment in the programme for Government, which states the Government will legislate to regulate stem cell research? When can we expect this legislation?

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