Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

He is an experienced navigator.

Publication has been expected, and is eagerly anticipated, of legislation to amend the National Oil Reserves Agency Act 2007 to provide for the establishment of a national bio-fuels obligation scheme. It is also to provide for amendments to the Act in light of developments to facilitate NORA's ongoing activities. If the Minister were in the House I am sure he would be willing to enlighten us further. In the absence of the Minister, however, can the Tánaiste indicate when NORA might appear in the House? Has the necessary preparatory work been done? This is important legislation which is part and parcel of the programme for Government. I am seeking some clarification on that matter.

I also wish to raise the estate management company legislation, about which there has been much confusion. The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have previously given information to the House in this regard, but I am as confused now as before on where the legislation now stands. Have the heads of the Bill been approved? Will one Minister take total responsibility for it, or will a number of Ministers be involved?

The last matter I wish to raise relates to the transposition into Irish law of the third money laundering directive. Some considerable concerns have been expressed about money laundering recently. It might be a good idea if the Tánaiste could give the House an indication when this will be finalised.

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