Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

As the Deputy recalls, we agreed at Christmas to consult the interested groups and the advice of the Attorney General was also sought. The Minister, Deputy Harney, is still dealing with that issue and hopes to bring forward the proposals after Easter. I have not been dealing with it directly but I know from conversations that it is possible to draft the Bill. There is no difficulty about the legality but there are enormously complex issues around it, which is what has taken the time. Having said that, a large amount of people are clamouring to get on with this but it will take a little bit more time.

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