asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the recent resolution in the European Parliament which resulted in its decision to draw up a charter on the rights of hospital patients, and the rights it recommends that it should incorporate, time will be made available in the House to discuss such proposals.
Written Answers. - Rights of Hospital Patients.
270.
The resolution referred to by the Deputy invites the EEC Commission to submit a proposal for a "European Charter on the Rights of Patients". I understand that the resolution is at present under consideration by the Commission but it is not clear what action, if any, the Commission proposes to take in the matter.
I should add that a final decision on any proposal emanating from the Commission would be a matter for the Council of Ministers. In the circumstances I would suggest that any discussion of the terms of the resolution in question would be premature at this stage and would serve no useful purpose.