While one would wonder if there was anything left on the list of legislation in regard to the Department of Health, I wish to ask about two Bills. In doing so I will not deny others the opportunity to participate in the limited time afforded to us at this juncture. The first Bill is to establish a statutory financial governance framework for the HSE, namely, the Health Service Executive (financial matters) Bill which was to be published in this term but has not yet appeared. One would wonder about the implications of such delays for the so-called reform agenda in health.

The second Bill about which I want to ask is the public health (sunbeds) Bill which has been raised year after year. It is to introduce a number of measures to regulate the use of sunbeds, including the prohibition on their use by those under 18 years of age. Again, it was due for publication in this term but it has not appeared and we have been waiting a long time. Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in this country and, I understand, globally. Some 720 new cases of melanoma arise in this State each year. There is insufficient awareness of the dangers involved, in particular in regard to the exposure of young children. The introduction of this legislation will help in that cause.

We expect the Health Service Executive (financial matters) Bill to come to Cabinet next week, on 17 December. In regard to the sensitive issue the Deputy raised about melanoma and the public health (sunbeds) Bill, the standstill period within the framework of the notification procedure to the European Union which one must follow pursuant to directive 98/34/EC ended on 2 December last. The final draft of the Bill was received on 5 December last from the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, so the regulatory impact analysis of that Bill is being revised and the explanatory note is being prepared. Therefore, a memorandum for Government will be drafted seeking approval to publish the Bill. Subject to Government approval, it is proposed that the Bill will be published probably in late January or early February 2014.