Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In the context of the intoxicating liquor Bill, the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Diarmuid Martin, has called for a national debate on alcohol and the abuse thereof. I spoke to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform in respect of this matter and he is well aware of its implications for society. Is there any way the introduction of the Bill might be expedited, particularly because this is a matter of concern for everyone?

The petroleum exploration and extraction (safety) Bill has implications in the context of the foreshore (amendment) Bill due to the fact that claims in respect of foreshore licences may be received from exploration companies. What is the position with regard to this legislation?

Perhaps the Taoiseach might send me a report on his intervention between the Ministers for Education and Science and Health and Children in respect of the continuing failure to open a new autistic unit in the constituency of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. The unit, which is located in a beautiful building, is properly designed and equipped but cannot be opened as a result of either a row between the two Ministers to whom I refer or an incapacity on their part to do business. The Taoiseach should tell the Ministers for Education and Science and Health and Children to get the lead out and take action.

On the Legal Practitioners (Irish Language) Bill 2007, some 11,000 leaving certificate students sought and were granted exemptions from sitting the Irish examination. As the Taoiseach is aware, Irish is a mandatory subject. Half of the 11,000 students to whom I refer took either French or German. I reiterate what I have stated previously, namely, that there is a difficulty as regards facilities, methods of teaching and the curriculum. The Minister for Education and Science does not recognise that.

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