Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On the first matter, the Taoiseach, in response to questions yesterday, conveyed the wishes of the new Minister of State with responsibility for children to continue with the work engaged in by the committee established by the former Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan. It is intended to establish a joint standing committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas and to provide it with the resources required to ensure the building of a consensus on the wording to be put to the people during the course of next year.

On the Civil Unions Bill 2006, I am informed a Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 is awaiting referral to a committee.

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