Patients in St. Vincent's Care Centre in Athlone were informed last night that they would have to leave that hospital this morning to allow electrical works necessary under health and safety requirements to be carried out. This morning we have a situation whereby families are blocking ambulances taking patients from the hospital. The manner in which the HSE has dealt with patients, their families and staff is nothing short of disgraceful.

Will the Taoiseach confirm that this is a temporary measure and is not an attempt to close St. Vincent's Care Centre by stealth? When will the health information and patient safety Bill come before the Houses in order that all Members of the Oireachtas will have an opportunity to make an input into it? That would ensure a situation such as that pertaining in Athlone this morning will never happen again.

The Bill will go for pre-legislative scrutiny shortly. As regards the Deputy's first question, I can confirm that it is a temporary move. The decision was taken to transfer residents from St. Vincent's Care Centre in Athlone to alternative accommodation because of an electrical report that highlighted a number of risks, including fire and power outages that led to service failures in the facility. They affected lighting, heating and electrical equipment. The transfer will take place on a phased basis over the next two to three days. It is temporary. The patients will be transferred back again when things have improved.

I thank the Taoiseach. That concludes questions on proposed legislation. My apologies to the six Members whose questions have not been reached.