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

At the beginning of the year the Minister for Health said one of his 25 priorities was to introduce the assisted human reproduction Bill and publish associated research. Will the Taoiseach indicate when the legislation will be published, whether the research has been undertaken and, if so, if it will be published and made available to Members of the House?

The Taoiseach will have heard serious concern being articulated about reports on a shortage of chemotherapy drugs. This is very stressful for cancer patients who have been prescribed the particular drug, particularly those in the Louth-Cavan area who have had their treatment rescheduled because of a manufacturing issue in the company involved. Will the Taoiseach assure the House that this issue will be addressed and that the health (miscellaneous provisions) Bill will include measures to deal with the matter?

In the programme for Government there is a commitment to provide additional funding each year for older people. The Minister for Health said one of his legislative priorities for 2015 was to pursue alternative public-private options to construct new community nursing units. Will the Taoiseach update the House on that commitment and the legislation pertaining to it?

When can we expect to see the health (transport support) Bill? It has been promised for quite some time, particularly after the scheme was suspended in 2013, more than 1000 days ago. Following the issue with the mobility allowance scheme, we were promised this Bill. Will the Taoiseach indicate when it will be brought before the House?

Is the Taoiseach aware that, notwithstanding the Supplementary Health Estimates, there are huge issues with disability service providers and organisations transporting children with intellectual disabilities? The Cope Foundation in Cork has had to take the decision to cancel all transport on certain days in December and parents have had to make alternative arrangements. I am sure the Taoiseach will agree that providing for the transport needs of parents of children with disabilities should be an absolute priority. A letter has been sent to me, Deputies Jerry Buttimer and Jonathan O'Brien-----

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