Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

It was delayed before Christmas for two reasons: the Opposition asked that there be consultation with the groups and there were legal issues that had to be resolved by the Attorney General. The legal issues have been more or less resolved but the consultation with the groups must take place. The Minister was anxious before Christmas to move it on and she is even more anxious now. While some people have concerns about the Bill, others want it passed because it is beneficial, as Deputy Crawford said. A large number of people are lobbying for this to be dealt with in its present form.

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