Children’s hospital report and prescription charge
Billy Kelleher asks about publication and debate on the Dolphin report and legislation abolishing the prescription charge. The Taoiseach says the hospital report will be publishable when a Government decision is made and will seek information on the prescription legislation.
Will the Dolphin report be published in full? Can we have a debate in the Dáil on the proposed location of the new children's hospital and the detail of that report?
Primary legislation is required to abolish the 50 cent prescription charge. As the Minister has made a commitment in the matter, will the Taoiseach indicate if the required legislation will be published in the near future? The Minister made the promise in March 2011 to abolish the charge.
Comment on this
I will have to get back to the Deputy on the legislation to which he refers. The Dolphin report is in the hands of the Minister. When the Government makes its decision, there will be an opportunity to have a full discussion in the House. Clearly, the report can be published at that stage.