Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

On the first matter, as I stated in my primary reply my Department is not primarily responsible for the consideration of some of these issues. Deputies take the opportunity of Question Time to Ministers to delve into greater detail on specific issues such as this and I understand the urgency on the soft information issue, but it is complex and data protection issues arise, although I do not believe they would prove insurmountable. Work is ongoing between the office of the Minister of State with responsibility for children and the Department for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on this question and perhaps questions tabled directly to the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, might elicit the greater degree of detail which the Deputy requires.

On the second matter, no Government decision has been made. The report is due in December and proper procedure is for the Government to await that and then consider it. As Deputy Howlin stated, the context of its consideration is that the majority of the committee see the legislative route as being a better way forward.

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