James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 193: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the engagement that has taken place with relevant stakeholders to date with regard to the fair deal scheme; the further engagement she plans to have with stakeholders following the publication of the Bill; the mechanism that will be in place to address stakeholders' concerns; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4097/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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Since the announcement of the new nursing home support scheme, A Fair Deal, the Department has met with the National Federation of Pensioners' Associations, the Irish Farmers Association, the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament and the Social Partners. The Department also attended the Irish Senior Citizens Parliament AGM at its request and participated in a workshop on the new scheme. In addition, the Department dealt with queries and representations from interest groups, public representatives and members of the public. All of the issues raised, both during formal consultation and otherwise, were given careful consideration in drafting the Bill.

The Bill providing for the scheme is at a very advanced stage and is currently being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General. The Minister hopes to publish the Bill as soon as possible following Government approval. On publication of the Bill, further engagement will take place with stakeholders on the details of the new scheme. This will take place under the auspices of Towards 2016. The subsequent presentation and passage of the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas will be a matter of priority for me and my colleague, the Minister of Health and Children, Mary Harney, T.D.