Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

I have questions on two Bills. The Ombudsman (amendment) Bill, which would give more powers to the Office of the Ombudsman, was first promised by the Government in October 2002 and was to be published by the middle of 2003. In the most recent programme, it is indicated that it will be published in early 2007. Is it the Government's intention to have it enacted before the general election?

The second Bill relates to the establishment of a carbon fund, which the Minister for Finance promised in budget 2006. The Government indicated the legislation would be published this year but the most recent legislative programme indicates it will be published in early 2007, at the earliest. This will be 15 months after the first indication in this regard by the Minister for Finance. Is it the Government's intention to have the Bill enacted before the general election?

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