Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

With regard to the last question, how many of the draftspersons have retired in the course of preparing Bills such as the charities Bill which we were promised in 1990 following the Costello report? Could the fact that people retired be an explanation as to why we are still waiting? There needs to be a radical rethink with regard to how we attract draftspersons. I understand approximately 19 are employed at present. Has thought been given to a formula for attracting more draftspersons? What is the Taoiseach's view in that regard?

I understand some of the drafting work of the Attorney General's office is being outsourced. Is experience being lost among in-house draftspersons? Is this a permanent solution or a short-term, stop-gap measure?

In terms of morale, would it help if the electronic legislation system hosted and maintained by the Attorney General's office was accurate in its electronic form? A person recently told me they were aghast at the inaccuracy of the electronic legislation system. Is the Taoiseach aware the electronic version essentially cannot be trusted and that one is therefore directed to the hard copy? Does it not make a mockery of the idea of having an electronic version of legislation if it must be checked on hard copy?

Has the Taoiseach considered the Tasmanian Government system of designating its electronic statute book as the authentic version? I am not sure if the Taoiseach is familiar with Senator Bob Brown and the Green Party in that part of the world but it has been very influential in this regard. The electronic version is the authentic version in Tasmania. Will that be considered more closely here?

The Sullivan report found that the recommendations made in 1994 had been largely implemented by 2006. I do not want to talk across the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, if he is busy informing the Taoiseach about something.

See this speech in context