Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to implement the fair deal for nursing home care costs from the start of 2008; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18341/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Bill providing for the new Nursing Home Support Scheme, A Fair Deal, is currently being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General and will be published, as normal, when it has been approved by the Government. The legislation is complex and requires careful drafting in order to ensure that the interests of older people requiring residential care are fully protected. In the course of progressing the legislation, the Department has received 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.