Last evening, in reply to a question on proposed legislation, the Minister for Health and Children indicated an amendment to the Health Act 1970 would be necessary in respect of nursing homes. Given that the Minister for Finance is, I understand, pushing for such a change, will the Tánaiste indicate if it is proposed to amend the Health Act 1970 and when we can expect such proposals to come before the House?
Order of Business (Resumed).
I am not aware of promised legislation in that area.
I assume, therefore, there will be no amendment to the Act.
In order to remove yet another obstacle facing those attempting to seek redress from the Residential Institutions Redress Board, which requires those who attended institutions not listed in the Schedule to the Act to first provide evidence of residence in the institutions in question, will the Minster for Education and Science introduce secondary legislation, as he is able to do under section 4(1) of the Act, to make the necessary changes to add further institutions?
I am not aware if the Minster has any plans to introduce secondary legislation. I understand he is considering these issues together with the redress board.