Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

The Bill has had one of the longest gestation periods in history. I attended an RIAI function last week and was told that this legislation was first mooted when Gladstone was in charge of these issues. The profession has shown commendable patience. It is an historic occasion.

I would seek to have the commencement orders made as soon as possible. Having waited for well over 80 years since the foundation of the State, and a longer period since the time of the previous jurisdiction, we should get on with the commencement as soon as possible. I will ask my Department to make sure this happens.

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