Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I wish to ask the Taoiseach two questions. The Parental Leave (Amendment) Bill went through the Seanad last December and it was supposed to be before this House last month. Given that I understand there are only three sitting weeks remaining, is it likely that Bill will arrive here before the summer recess?

I note from newspaper reports the intention of the Government Whip to introduce shortly proposals on Dáil reform. When the Taoiseach answers questions on Leaders' Questions Ministers have been known to whisper or pass notes to him. It seems the Whip is proposing it will become a Ministers' question time instead of a Leaders' question time. When does the Taoiseach propose to introduce proposals for Dáil reform and will they include the Taoiseach's attendance here on Thursday mornings? He will be absent tomorrow and Thursday, and I understand the reason for that, but he will have only four more appearances here before he will glide off into the sunset of the summer. Now that the Minister for Defence is back from Kosovo I suppose the Taoiseach will be reinforced in the security that surrounds him.

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