Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 206: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason the Health Bill was de-prioritised in the Government legislative programme between 24 April and 27 September 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36927/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Health Bill is a significant part of the Health Reform Programme and there is no question of this Bill being de-prioritised. The Bill is included in Section C of the Government's Legislative Programme for Autumn 2006 for technical reasons. However, having carried out a public consultation process on the draft Heads and General Scheme of the Bill, I will now be submitting proposals to Government for its approval shortly.

My Department has been working very closely with the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and work is at an advanced stage on the draft provisions. As I told the House last week in response to a Parliamentary Question from Deputy Timmons, I intend to publish the Bill before the end of the year.