Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister of State may feel he made a mistake by expressing the optimistic view, when he took up his portfolio, that ratification would take place by the end of 2016. There is a legitimate expectation of a timeframe. I am worried that the Minister of State is not prepared to commit to a timeframe now. When he took up office, he was happy to stipulate the end of 2016. We have reached the end of 2016 but he is reluctant to give a timeframe. People share my concern about the matter. I notify the Chairman that I wish to ask a follow-up question after the Minister of State answers.