Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

The question concerns the Tánaiste's own Department. Legislation is promised by her Department as well. The collective investment schemes (consolidation) Bill, which I presume is urgent given the present climate, is expected to be published in 2010. That is not urgent. It is stated that it is not possible to indicate when the consumer and competition Bill, a very important Bill, will be published. The transfer of undertakings (pensions) Bill, a very sensitive and pertinent issue at the present time, is to provide a statutory basis for the transposition of the operational pensions provision of the transfer of undertakings EU directive. It is stated that it is not possible to indicate at this stage when publication is expected.

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his indulgence. I suggest the Tánaiste, at the earliest possible date, brings before the House some proposals to bring these important Bills into the House for debate.

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