Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)

I said that I have questions on three items of promised legislation. The first item ought to be promised legislation, as it is under the heading "Bills in respect of which heads have yet to be approved by Government". No. 63 states: "The provision of DPP appeal against unduly lenient sentences in serious cases before the District Court." However, it does not mention a Bill. Is this a case of the legislation not being properly worded or is this item something other than a Bill? As it does not give a date, I am unsure as to whether it is a priority. Will the Taoiseach elaborate on how No. 63 arises and why it is not listed as a Bill?

Another matter I wish to raise is the charities Bill, which we have been waiting for since 1990. It is a long Bill — the explanatory memoranda are 300 pages long. Can we assume it will not see the light of day before the demise of this Government, even though it is on the pink list? Will the ethics Bill be published and passed before the election?

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