Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I had intended to ask about the explosives Bill, but in view of the Government's dazed condition in the wake of the publication of the IMF report, it would be unwise to do so. Instead, I will deal with equally serious matters. The Taoiseach gave an indication in the House of his intention to expedite two Bills relating to the protection of children. One of these is to provide for the collection and exchange of information in regard to the endangerment, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse or risk thereof of children. The second is to protect vulnerable persons against sexual exploitation. The latter one is No. 77 and the earlier one is No. 70. Has any progress been made on either Bill, given their urgency and the urgency the Taoiseach previously accorded to them?

Regarding the collective investment scheme legislation which is also promised, in view of recent experiences it might also be regarded as being of some urgency.

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