Vol. 515 No. 2
59 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Health and Children when the promised Health (Amendment) Bill will be introduced; the main objectives of the proposed legislation; the effect, if any, it will have on the availability of drugs or drugs subsidisation for the public; the organisations, if any, being consulted regarding the proposed legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5512/00]
The provisions of the proposed Health (Amendment) Bill, 2000 will now be included in a composite Bill I hope to bring forward. This Bill will be published as soon as possible.
While the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to go into the detail of the Bill prior to publication, the purpose of the legislation referred to by the Deputy is to amend section 59 of the Health Act, 1970, to update the regulation of the provision of drugs, medicines and medical and surgical appliances under the general medical services and community drugs schemes. I am confident that the proposed legislation will promote an equitable and more accountable service and these concerns were to the forefront in the drafting of its provisions.
