Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when she will publish the nursing home support Bill; the reason for the delay; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20748/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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The Bill providing for the Fair Deal scheme is being finalised by the Office of the Attorney General at present. 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.

My colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, intends to publish the Bill as soon as possible following finalisation by the Attorney General and Government approval, and to bring the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas thereafter.