Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am advised that work is under way on the Bill but we do not have a date for publication yet. I do recall that some aspects of the patient safety package are in the Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill which we hope will come through both Houses this week. That includes periodic payment orders, so that if somebody has been damaged as a result of being harmed in the course of health care, instead of one lump sum payment they will receive a period of payments over the years that can be increased as needs be. It also includes provisions to protect open disclosure. It will be a very significant step forward if we can have that legislation through both Houses this week. The Deputy is correct to say that the regulation of private hospitals, which is long overdue, is provided for in this new Bill. I do not have a date for it yet but will certainly pursue the matter with the Minister for Health.

See this speech in context