Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The position of the Minister for Finance was at all times that this was a priority for his Department. As the Deputy will be aware it is a very arduous and complex task in terms of bringing forward the structure for the implementation of the decision and also the legislative basis underpinning it. He has indicated that a target of July has been set for the bringing forward of the legislation and he has indicated a preparedness to have the House return in September for a special sitting to discuss the legislation, enact it and bring it forward. That is the consistent position he has outlined and I simply reiterate it. That is what he is working towards.

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