Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

That status of regulations made in good faith by Ministers to give effect to European Community law would constantly be in doubt. Failure to pass the required Act of the Oireachtas within the three-month period would cause significant uncertainty for both the Government and the citizens and that would not be fair. We cannot create a scenario where there is doubt about it. Deputy Allen referred to the Government's failure to implement European directives but we have a very good record. We have been very measured and careful in certain areas where the pressures are very complex and to ensure the legislation is refined, a great deal of attention and time is devoted to it.

According to the Internal Market for the first quarter of 2007, we are the third best in the Union.

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