Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I wish to ask three questions about promised legislation. The OECD report, published last week, drew attention to the increase in the number of State agencies. In response, the Taoiseach indicated his wish to see some State agencies merged, amalgamated or whatever. The legislative programme proposes the creation of 11 further State agencies. Does the Taoiseach intend to indicate to the House his plans with regard to the amalgamation or abolition of some State agencies?

On the publication of the Green Paper on local government, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government promised legislation to limit the spending by candidates in the forthcoming local elections. When will that legislation be introduced?

I note my constituency colleague, Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, last year published a Private Members' Bill, the Spent Convictions Bill 2007. Will that Bill be presented as a Government Bill?

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