Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

I have three questions. First, when does the Government propose to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities? Second, when is the foreshore (amendment) Bill likely to be brought before the House? Third, that legislation relates to our discussion of the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008, in the course of which the Minister for Transport announced his intention to transfer functions and powers in regard to property previously held by the Minister to An Bord Pleanála. He indicated that this change would require legislation in regard to planning. When may we expect the amending planning legislation that was promised on Second Stage of the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008? Will it be brought forward at the same time as the foreshore (amendment) Bill, which I understand is a matter for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food?

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