There are reports in the media this morning that Deputy Josepha Madigan is to introduce a Private Members' Bill proposing to reduce the waiting time for divorce to two years. According to the reports, the Bill has the support of the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste. Does the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Richard Bruton, also support the legislation? Is it the Government's position that it will support the Bill? Will the Minister confirm that the legislation will be introduced and indicate whether a referendum would be required on the matter?

Following media reports, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, formerly known as An Bord Altranais, commissioned outside experts to carry out a review of the organisation. The review concluded that management structures were in need of significant reform and did not comply with guidelines on procurement and the employment of staff. This is unacceptable, given that the board sets standards for the professional development of nurses and midwifes. The report states the unit within the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland which deals with fitness to practise issues is unfit for purpose and makes recommendations that the relevant legislation be reviewed.

We cannot have a debate on the issue now.

Is the Minister aware of it? Will he confirm that the relevant legislation will be reviewed? What measures will the Government take in the matter?

While I have read the reports to which the Deputy refers on a Private Members' Bill, I have not seen the Bill and it will be a matter for the Deputy in question to present it to the House. The Government will consider the legislation and decide its position on it at that stage. It seeks to encourage more Deputies to introduce Bills and it is good to note, therefore, that this opportunity is being taken.

On the investigations into the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland or rather the assessment of its operations, this was done at the request of the Department of Health following a protected disclosure. If additional legislative changes are necessary, they will be undertaken. I understand many of the proposed changes relate to governance and financial procedures in the board. A new president and interim chief executive officer have been appointed to it and the post of director of finance and corporate services has been advertised. Considerable action is being taken to ensure the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland which has fully accepted the findings of the report that has been prepared will execute them.