Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I wish to begin by paying a compliment. I suppose it is unusual for a Member on this side of the House to do so. I note the circulation of information from the Library and Research Service of the Houses, probably through the Commission of the Houses of the Oireachtas, which is much better staffed than used to be the case and should be available, for information and research purposes, to Deputies. That is a good move on the part of the commission.

There are 11 sitting days remaining until the House proposes to rise at Christmas. When one takes account of the day on which the budget will be introduced and the following day when it will be debated we are effectively left with nine sitting days. Of the 21 Bills that have been mentioned by the Government Chief Whip for publication, three have been published and one is currently going through the House. Will the Taoiseach indicate whether the other 17 will be published before the end of the session or how many of them are likely to be forthcoming during that period?

The Health Service Executive made reference to its interest in a patient safety agency being established. Fine Gael and the Labour Party produced a Bill relating to the establishment of a patient safety authority. In the light of the validity of arguments in favour of such an authority, is the Government prepared to accept the Bill to which I refer or does it intend to introduce its own legislation and if so, when?

Arising from the recent report which shows that Border areas are the most dangerous in the country regarding fatalities resulting from road accidents, is legislation to make provision for equality of penalties, North and South, likely to be introduced in order that this serious matter might be addressed?

Is there any intention to introduce legislation in respect of the governance of primary schools? As a result of the lack of clerical personnel, governance has changed in this regard. There are problems in a number of areas. Are they likely to be legislated for with a change in responsibility provided?

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