Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The heads of the Bill for the National Pensions Reserve Fund (Amendment) Bill were before Cabinet recently and the drafting of the Bill is proceeding.

Regarding the Bill referred to by Deputy Barrett, chairman of the Oireachtas Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security, I understand the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, has been in communication with Deputy Barrett by way of letter, outlining the position that he is discussing with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government on how best to progress the necessary legislative changes. He would welcome an opportunity to engage with the committee over the coming weeks and months on its own proposals. It will be a matter between the committee and the Minister to arrange consideration of what way the matter might be addressed or what way the contents of the Bill may have relevance to what the Minister has in mind.

On the final matter, I am sure it will be brought forward as soon as the Chief Whip finalises his consultations with colleagues within Government. It will happen as soon as possible.

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