Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

This is the difficulty. I accept that the general election intervened but this legislation has already been published. It appears to be in limbo rather than sent to a committee. Can this be clarified? It was included on yesterday's Order Paper as a live Bill, as it were, but there appears to be uncertainty on the part of the Government about its status. The difficulty is that I do not believe the Government has the will to proceed with it. It was introduced by the former Minister, former Deputy Michael McDowell, but has been parked in a way that causes uncertainty. Will the Tánaiste clarify if it is the Government's intention to proceed with the legislation to provide for the appointment of a legal services ombudsman, having regard to current difficulties in this area?

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