Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Absolutely, but I again reassure the Senator that the officials are engaging with the Attorney General on the optional protocol. It is essential that we ensure that the State and all of its agencies are in line with that protocol because, as the Senator has talked about, it involves a system and we can learn from it. That is why we need to enact it but I need to ensure that every system within our Departments and semi-State bodies is ready for it. I am not holding back but trying to get everything moving at the one time. The Senator completely understands the complexities involved. It is a commitment in the programme for Government. I know exactly how frustrating it can be but I cannot commit to a particular date at this moment in time. It is a priority behind the scenes, however.