Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Yesterday, I asked the Taoiseach about the delay in the Defamation Bill, which has reached Committee Stage, and he indicated a number of amendments are being drafted by the Attorney General and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform. Today, I read reports that the Minister intends to introduce a privacy Bill. Has the Government made a decision on this because it is not included under any of the headings in sections A, B or C of the legislative programme? Is this a new Bill being proposed by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform? Has the Government decided on it and, if so, when is it likely to appear?

What progress has been made on No. 48, the education (patronage) Bill which is due for publication in 2009? There is a great deal of contention throughout the country with regard to No. 44, the fisheries (amendment) Bill which proposes to abolish seven regional boards and amalgamate them under one central board. It is due for publication in 2009. At what stage is that Bill?

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