Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 187: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the nature of the legal and constitutional difficulties which have arisen with the nursing home payment legislation to which the Minister for Finance recently referred on the Order of Business; and when she expects to be in a position to present the legislation. [11006/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I presume the Deputy is referring to the legislation providing for the new nursing home support scheme, A Fair Deal. In the course of progressing the legislation, the Department has obtained legal advice in relation to a number of matters. Some of these matters are still the subject of consideration in the context of finalising the Bill. It would not be appropriate to comment further until the Bill has been brought before the Government for approval. Finally, my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, hopes to be in a position to bring the legislation before the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible following finalisation by the Attorney General and Government approval.