Given the day it is, the Government has the full support of the Fine Gael Party regarding the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I have said on many previous occasions that we may have differences regarding other issues. However, this is an important day and perhaps the Tánaiste might give the House an update on what is happening.

Yesterday I asked the Taoiseach a question regarding people over 70 who are in long-stay public beds and the advice offered by the Attorney General to the Government, which has been in its possession for some six weeks. The Tánaiste is aware that it was the Government's intention to introduce a Bill before Christmas. That will not happen until the new year. The Taoiseach said the regulations governing this issue date from 1976. They do not, however, deal with the persons to whom I refer. The question is whether the legal advice offered by the Attorney General indicated that the taking of payments from the over 70s in long-stay public beds is illegal. Newspapers report that there is a liability of up to €400 million. Perhaps the Tánaiste would clarify the position.

I thank Deputy Kenny for his good wishes to the Government and all the parties in the effort to find a resolution of the current vacuum in the peace process and for the offer of support from the Fine Gael Party. I very much appreciate that. The Deputy asked for an update. It would be wrong to assume that the only outstanding issue is that of photographic verification. It is also important to acknowledge that the Government supported others in their quest to have photographs published. We have seen many photographs published of dreadful atrocities and many videos used for propaganda purposes. Humiliation works both ways.

Regarding people over 70 in long-stay public beds, I have made it clear to Deputy Kenny that a couple of weeks ago I sought the advice of the Attorney General who said it would be legally safer to have primary legislation in this area than to rely on regulations. Legislation is being drafted. I hoped to introduce it in the House before Christmas, but I hope it will be with the Government either next week or immediately after Christmas and brought through the House after Christmas. It would be wrong to assume that what happened was the fault of anyone. Any moneys taken were taken in good faith. The Attorney General is simply saying that if we are going to take a contribution towards board and lodgings from people in public institutions then, in order to be safe and secure, we should introduce primary legislation. That is what we intend to do.