Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

On the intoxicating liquor Bill, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform — I believe Deputy Kenny would agree with his actions in this regard — has decided to deal with the more urgent parts of the legislation, namely, those relating to the sale and availability of alcohol, first. The consultative process is due to conclude this month and, if co-operation is forthcoming, we hope to enact new legislation in this area before the summer recess.

The purpose of the petroleum exploration and extraction (safety) Bill is to confer statutory responsibility for the safety of petroleum exploration and production on the Commission for Energy Regulation. It will implement a key finding of the safety studies carried out in respect of the Corrib onshore pipeline. I have not yet seen the heads of the Bill. However, I am informed that the legislation is due to be taken later this year.

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