Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There was approval by the Government this morning at its Cabinet meeting to proceed with this as planned. I have an answer for some of the matters raised by the Deputy but they are somewhat extensive for this forum. The Bill will move to pre-legislative scrutiny in the health committee, where the Deputy would be welcome to tease out the matters he has raised. The Deputy should be under no illusion but that this is a very good news story for rural Ireland, including small businesses and farmers. This has a price tag of in excess of €10 million per annum and it is, above all, an equality matter. These people should be treated in the same way as every other citizen of the State.

That is to be welcomed. Whatever we do the Deputy will say there is more to be done but what we are doing is a significant step and one to be welcomed by all. I can address the issues the Deputy raised in more detail at pre-legislative scrutiny stage.

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