Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

We have taken note of what Deputy Gilmore and others said last week, when I was asked a number of questions on the matter in the House and by organisations outside the House which were supportive of the Bill but wanted certain amendments to be considered. I can confirm that we discussed the matter and the Bill will not be published for a while. We will not attempt to bring it through the House before Christmas and we will try to deal with it after reflecting on the considerations put forward by Members, including Deputy Gilmore and others. The only downside, which was quickly pointed out to me over the weekend by some of the organisations concerned, is those who were looking forward to receiving the benefit from 1 January will not now receive it. I am afraid, however, I can do nothing about that.

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