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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Private patient charges Bill

Summary

Billy Kelleher seeks the urgent publication of the health (private patient charges) Bill and raises concerns about access to mortgages. The Taoiseach says the health Bill will be taken in April and explains that he is not responsible for mortgage allocations, though he facilitated a constituent’s application.

When will the health (private patient charges) Bill be brought before the Dáil? It is quite urgent in view of the fact the Taoiseach cannot give an answer on the legislation required for the change to the Croke Park deal. It is already included in HSE budgets. It is important we get clarity quickly in terms of the legislation for Croke Park.

In view of the newfound ability of the Taoiseach to get mortgages for people, should I refer my constituents who cannot get credit to the Taoiseach or to the Credit Review Office?

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

That is a parliamentary question.

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He is powerful but not that powerful.

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It is an important point.

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A few Members on the Opposition side could tell us about mortgages.

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The Taoiseach is going into banks. It is important to get clarity on whether it is the Credit Review Office or the Taoiseach's office-----

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

It will not be on the Order of Business.

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-----that reviews credit refusals by banks.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

The health (private patient charges) Bill will be taken in April. I am not responsible for the allocation of mortgages. By coincidence, the person yesterday received an immediate response and an introduction. I asked her to advise me how discussions went and I hope that in the newfound openness of the lending institution involved, the good lady and her husband will be considered very carefully for a mortgage for which they applied in the constituency of Meath East yesterday. It brought an immediate response.

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Like at Lisdoonvarna, the Taoiseach gave an introduction.

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The Taoiseach might send me his constituency clinic address.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I am not advising that the Deputy hangs outside the doors of the banks.

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I would go to my party leader before Deputy Kelleher's.

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