Health legislation delays
Róisín Shortall seeks explanations and dates for the delayed HSE governance, free GP care, and public-health alcohol Bills. The Tánaiste says the HSE Bill should be taken early in the new year, while drafting and policy work continues on the other health legislation.
I would like to ask about three Bills in the health area that were promised this session, which clearly we are not going to get to at this stage. The first is the HSE governance Bill, which we were told was priority legislation and which went through the Seanad in September but has not appeared since. Where is that? What is the reason for the delay? The second is the free general practitioner care Bill, which the Tánaiste had promised we would have this session. What is the reason for the delay? When might we see that? The third is the public health (alcohol) Bill, which had been promised for before Christmas. What is the reason for the delay? When we can expect to see those three Bills?
Comment on this
The HSE governance Bill has been through the Seanad and is awaiting Second Stage in the House.
Comment on this
What is the reason for the delay? It is priority legislation.
Comment on this
There is no reason for the delay. We are breaking for Christmas today and I expect it will be taken early in the new year. There are currently four health Bills before the Houses.
The health (amendment) Bill addresses some complex issues that are currently being worked out between the Department and the Parliamentary Counsel. There are drafting issues and publication is expected early next session. Work is continuing on the alcohol legislation. Progress has been made and we expect that proposals will be with Government early in 2013.