Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Are particular difficulties being encountered in recruiting parliamentary draftspersons? In his reply the Taoiseach said five vacancies were advertised last July, three of which are about to be taken up in the coming weeks, which is welcome. He also said it is intended to re-advertise for two more positions. While I do not want to stray into us commenting on the qualifications and suitability of applicants, will the Taoiseach indicate why this might be the case?

The Government legislation committee is the body to drive the drafting and preparation of legislation. Who are the members of that committee and how does it function? We are dealing with the consequences in that the flow of legislation from the Government has slowed down significantly since the general election. Either Ministers are not driving the preparation of legislation or there is a problem possibly in the Attorney General's office.

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