Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 142: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that there is a full consultation with the organisations representing the elderly on the proposed fair deal legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7567/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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The new nursing home support scheme, A Fair Deal, was announced in December 2006.

Since then, my 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. I hope 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.