Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Notwithstanding what the Minister has said, it is almost two years since the House rejected a Fine Gael Private Members' Bill and the Government has done nothing about the situation in the interim. The Minister referred to the Law Reform Commission report of November 2006. That document explicitly states that the law in this matter is uncertain and made recommendations which have not been taken on board. I do not have a difficulty with the Minister awaiting the final report of the Law Reform Commission provided he seeks an early meeting with the chairman of the group and urges that the matter be dealt with quickly. The people are frightened as a result of the law as it stands and how it is applied.

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