Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

Before Christmas, the Taoiseach said the legislation would not, as promised, be published at that time because extra time was needed for consultation. I understand the Minister is now saying that the consultation will happen after the legislation is published. If this is the case, why was the extra time needed? Why did the Minister not simply publish the legislation and then allow a considerable period for consultation? I do not get the impression there has been any consultation since the Taoiseach deferred the Bill's publication.

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