Health supplementary estimate
Doherty asked when the supplementary estimate for the Department of Health would be introduced and whether it would cover the discretionary medical-card reversal. The Taoiseach said it would be brought forward later in the year, not during the current session.
It is an issue that needs to be addressed. I have previously engaged with the relevant Ministers on this issue.
The final issue relates to the Minister and the Department of Health. It was announced by the Government that a Supplementary Estimate for the Department of Health will again be necessary. This relates to the U-turn by Government, rightly so, in relation to discretionary medical cards. Will the Taoiseach tell the House when that Supplementary Estimate will be brought before the House and if it will be only in respect of money required for address of the medical cards issue or, as has been mentioned, amounts of up to €500 million? Other figures have been mentioned, one being as high as €500 million.
Comment on this
Is the Deputy talking about the strategic banking corporation Bill? It will be introduced this session.
Comment on this
In that case I will let the Deputy know about the ESM. The Ceann Comhairle has ruled on the issue of passports, an issue the Deputy will probably raise. The supplementary budget will be brought forward in due course. I cannot give the Deputy an exact date, but, obviously, there will be one. It will be brought forward later in the year.