Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform indicates that the amendments relating to the Defamation Bill are at an advanced stage of preparation. He is hopeful that they can be brought before the Government, approved, published and inserted into the legislation, which can then be enacted, before the end of the summer session.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment also met the representatives to whom Deputy Kenny refers earlier today. She has given a commitment to expedite the matter with the Minister for Finance in order to identify ways in which we can assist these companies. I agree with the Deputy that the companies have excellent operations. I visited the offices of PayPal last week, which has established a European centre of excellence in Dublin and which employs over 900 people here.

See this speech in context