asked the Minister for Health if he proposes to introduce a new Mental Treatment Bill, and, if so, when.

I expect that the consultation process concerned in drafting this Bill will be completed shortly and that it will be introduced in the present session of the Dáil.

When was this Bill first promised?

That is a separate question and I do not have that information.

This Bill was promised at various stages.

The text has been circulated to various Departments for views.

This does not arise under the question.

Is the Minister not aware that this Bill was promised at various stages last year and that finally it was promised that it would be introduced before the end of last year?

The Deputy is giving information rather than trying to elicit it.

The former Minister for Health——

That Deputy was then busy trying to get somewhere else.

When is it expected that Second Stage will be taken?

I am treating the Bill as a matter of urgency.