Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

The Minister says "very shortly" but we have all heard that phrase before. I remind him that it is over five years since the Law Reform Commission published its report on the establishment of a DNA database. It is almost four years since January 2006 when the Minister's predecessor, Michael McDowell stated that he had received Cabinet backing and approval to proceed to draft the legislation. The heads of the Bill were published in 2007 but we have not seen the Bill which I understand is included on the list for publication this term. What does the Minister mean by "very shortly"? Will this important Bill be published in the new year?

Will the Minister comment on the report by Professor Kopp-----

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