Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

In regard to the issue Deputy Stagg raised with me last week, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was able to correspond with him today based on my inquiries on his behalf. As he said, both Bills completed Second Stage in the Seanad before the summer recess but since the publication of the Bills, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform has received a large number of submissions from stakeholders and interested parties regarding provisions contained in both Bills. Following receipt of those submissions, it has held consultations with the relevant stakeholders. As I said earlier to Deputy Durkan, it is holding discussions with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel with a view to preparing and drafting necessary Committee Stage amendments for both Bills.

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