There was a lot of disappointment that there was no reference to the fair deal scheme in the recent budget. In promised legislation and in previous budgets, promises were made that the issue of uncapped liability on farm assets for small farmers and small businesses under the fair deal scheme would be dealt with. When will the Government honour its commitment to remove the discrimination against farming and other small business assets, as promised in last year's budget?

I would like to speak on this issue of the fair deal scheme. This has gone on and on. This has been approved in Cabinet, so the delays are totally unacceptable. I know of many farming families who are continuously struggling with the heavy costs of nursing home care. The Minister met a delegation from the IFA, along with a farmer who is very badly affected by this issue, Mr. Joe Carroll from Kilcormac, County Offaly. Will the Government provide a timeframe as to when we can debate the legislation and finalise this matter?

This is something to which the Government is committed. The Minister of State, Deputy Daly, has led on the issue and has done a really good job. Pre-legislative scrutiny of the relevant Bill begins in committee on 13 November. Further legislation is needed.