I too want to add my weight to the call for a debate on the most serous issue of the Croke Park II agreement ballot today because it is important. Where will the Government find the €1 billion otherwise if we do not have a proper debate?

It is no wonder the agreement was rejected. Is the Taoiseach aware that under the health (private patient charges) Bill anybody in receipt of respite care - goodness knows the periods between the provision of such care is lengthy - will be charged €175 per week? It is another stealth tax on people who badly need respite care and this puts pressure on their families because they will not be able to pay it. The clients will have to be kept at home or they could end up in hospital.

To what legislation is the Deputy referring?

The health (private patient charges) Bill. It is another charge that has been slipped in similar to the carbon tax.

I refer to the Central Bank consolidation Bill. We still have no idea about the guidelines that will be used for personal insolvency but the Central Bank seems to be doing everything it wants to secure the banks while to hell with the people, whether it is private business owners or ordinary householders in mortgage arrears and negative equity. The officials are not dealing with businesses; they are only interested in sorting out the books of their own banks. When will the Government take them on?

The health Bill is listed on the A list for this session. The consolidation Bill in respect of the banks will not be implemented until the supervision and enforcement Bills are dealt with and they are on Committee Stage.