Enda Kenny
Question:297 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health and Children his legislative priorities for the remainder of the current Dáil; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2422/03]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
The following schedule sets out the legislative proposals for my Department as outlined in the Government's legislative programme published in January 2003:
Bills before the Dáil and Seanad: Opticians Amendment Bill 2002 (Seanad) – Order for Second Stage.
Bills expected to be published during the current session: Health Insurance Amendment Bill, to amend the provisions of the Health Insurance Acts 1994 and 2001.
Bills the heads of which have been agreed and texts are being drafted – publication expected late 2003: Adoption Information, Post Adoption Contact and Associated Issues Bill, to address the information rights and search and reunion services for children adopted and children raised in care.
Health and Social Care Professionals Regulatory Bill, to provide for the statutory registration of health and social care professionals for the purpose of ensuring a quality service for the public.
Bills the heads of which have yet to be approved by Government – publication expected 2004: Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and International Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoptions Bill, to provide for the ratification of the Hague Convention of 29 May 1993 on Protection of Children and International Co-operation in respect of Intercountry Adoption.
Pharmacy Bill, to update and rationalise the Pharmacy Acts 1875-1977.
Health Complaints Bill, to provide a statutory framework for handling complaints within the health services.
Medical Practitioners Bill, to consolidate and update existing Medical Practitioners Acts 1978-2002.
Nurses Bill, to amend the Nurses Act 1985 as recommended by the Commission on Nursing.
Voluntary Health Insurance Board (Corporate Status) Bill, to alter the corporate status of the VHI.
Irish Medicines Board (Amendment) Bill, to transfer the functions of competent authority from the Department of Health and Children to the board for the Misuse of Drugs Act and for medical devices.
In addition to the foregoing, I am proposing, as a matter of priority, to introduce legislation to amend the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 to bring its provisions into compliance with EU Technical Standards Directive No. 98/34.