Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Yes. We can of course go ahead with the drafting and preparation of the legislation and not lose time. Publication must coincide with publication by the Northern Ireland Assembly and, therefore, without the Assembly, it is not possible to move on this. However, as I understand it, while the heads of the Bill have been drafted for a considerable time, all the preparatory work can be done. The answer to the question is yes.

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