Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the proposed Health Service Executive's fair deal system regarding nursing home patients will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24681/08]

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Health and Children when the proposed Health Service Executive's fair deal system regarding nursing home patients will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24721/08]

Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 176 and 183 together.

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. 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. As the timeframe for bringing the legislation through both Houses is contingent upon finalisation of the Bill, a more definitive answer is not possible at this stage.