116 Deputy Kieran O’Donnell asked the Minister for Health and Children when she expects the fair deal as outlined in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 to come into operation for people on the ground; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12443/09]

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 completed Committee Stage in the Dáil on 12th March 2009.

It is the Minister's intention to progress the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas with a view to implementing the scheme in the second half of 2009. Unfortunately it is not possible to give a more specific timeframe at present.