Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I should like to ask the Tánaiste a number of questions on the Order of Business. Will she say why the Defamation Bill has been lodged for ten months with the committee dealing with justice and related matters? The Bill was the result of agreement between the previous Taoiseach and the previous Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and was initiated in the Seanad. It was passed by the Seanad and was introduced in the Dáil by the Minister's predecessor. It passed Second Stage and has been in the committee without movement for the last ten months. Deputy Charles Flanagan raised this matter yesterday and I stress its importance because we do not want to see it being let drift again, when the Press Council report comes out next week. There is concern it might unravel completely and that there is now no cover for the publication of judgments given by the Press Council.

If she can, will the Tánaiste indicate that the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will urge the Chairman of the committee to deal expeditiously with Committee Stage of the Defamation Bill? I hope it might be concluded by the summer. The agreement worked out in good faith should be followed through in good faith. For its part, the newspaper industry has abided by its end of the bargain but the Government has not yet followed through. Will the Tánaiste respond to that?

The national broadcaster receives the proceeds of the television licence fee. I understand a grovelling, unreserved apology was issued for a piece of political satire——

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