Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is in our interest that we publish the Clinch report. The Department commissioned it and wants to see it published by the end of this first quarter. In the second quarter shortly thereafter, subject to Government agreement - if Government does not agree, I will have to come back to the committee and inform it that the Government has not agreed - my intention is to bring a policy proposal to Government within the coming few weeks. Then there will be the drafting of the general scheme of the Bill, and my main intention is for that to come back to this committee for pre-legislative scrutiny and, subject to that being done in a timely manner, for us to get it legislated this year. That is on the record as to what I am looking to do. If there is any reason that is not possible, be it a Government decision or legal advice, I will come to the committee straight away. However, I expect Government approval and I am hopeful we can overcome the legal issues. If that is not delivered, by all means the committee should hold me to account on it.