Maria Corrigan (Fianna Fail)

Given that this is brain awareness week, I ask the Leader for an update on the progress of the mental capacity and guardianship Bill which will have a significant impact on the lives of many, including those with acquired brain injuries. I understand the Bill is still being drafted but that it is intended to bring it before the Seanad before the end of the session. It now appears that it will be significant and complex with profound implications for a vast number of people. Will the Leader, therefore, ask the Minister to make the Bill available to Members for their consideration as soon as possible in order that it will not have a speedy passage through the Oireachtas without being subject ot sufficient consideration by Members?

I also raise the issue of Tallaght hospital. I was impressed by Professor Kevin Conlon yesterday on "Morning Ireland". I was particularly impressed by his assurances that the No. 1 priority for him was to ascertain that every X-ray would be reviewed as quickly as possible and feedback given to patients and doctors. However, what has emerged since necessitates the establishment immediately of a forum in which questions can be answered. It is of concern that a letter addressed to the chairman of the board went to the office of the chief executive officer. It was stamped as having been received by the chief executive officer on 22 January 2009 but the chairman only became aware yesterday that the letter even existed. This raises significant and profound questions about the relationship between the executive and the board.