Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I start by welcoming this Bill. I thank the Minister of State and his team for the commitment they have given to it, and now we finally have it up and running. This is a very important Bill and it removes a significant block that prevents women standing for election. I know it is welcomed across all our female councillors. I am looking for clarification on a number of questions. The first question relates to heads 3 and 4. Will the Minister of State clarify if the scheme will be operational from the enactment of the legislation or will he be signing regulations?