Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

As I said, I will be publishing the report within the next few days. I can publish it tomorrow. I do not see any problem in that respect. As regards the informal committee, it is a cross-party committee. The discussions about it predated me becoming Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I understand that my predecessor had discussions with Deputy Seán Barrett and other Members on the formulation of such a committee. My predecessor believed it would be the right way to proceed on important policy formulation, thus giving the Opposition an opportunity to participate. The Government side of the House is not saying it has all the knowledge on it. The last time a piece of major legislation was brought forward in this area was in 1956.

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