Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Obviously, health issues are of concern to everybody and are raised in the House frequently. The Deputy mentioned parliamentary questions yesterday. As I pointed out before, I answered those questions. In respect of European Council meetings, we have had pre-Council statements in the Dáil, as well as post-Council statements when many of the matters raised yesterday were discussed, although I appreciate the new information some Deputies brought to light. The Government has looked at the issues of patients on trolleys and the fair deal scheme and the extra €75 million granted in that regard. Clearly, the capacity to bring the waiting period for approval of a fair deal scheme application down from 18 weeks to four or five has been important. I take the point that the issue of patients on trolleys is one that is monitored on a daily basis.

Specifically, Deputy Gerry Adams referred to the independent policing authority. The Government cleared the Bill at the Cabinet meeting this week and it will be published either tomorrow or on Friday and will be taken in the Seanad first.

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