Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

On the civil partnership Bill, do I understand correctly from what the Taoiseach has said that the Government will be proceeding with that Bill in 2009? Can he indicate how early in 2009 we might expect the Bill to be published and presented to the House?

The Government announced in the budget the amalgamation or abolition of a number of State agencies. I asked questions previously in regard to the estimated 15 items of legislation which would require amending in order to achieve these amalgamations. I recall asking the Tánaiste on a previous Order of Business whether it was intended to amend the legislation separately or in a single Bill. She indicated that it was intended to address the matter in a single Bill. I ask the Taoiseach when that Bill will be published.

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