Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

As the Taoiseach rightly pointed out some days ago, he chairs an all-party committee dealing with areas other than those that pertain to his own Department. I have no doubt he is well able to answer these questions.

For quite some time, we have been told about draft heads of Bills being circulated. This matter is obviously very serious and sensitive, but the State is now in a position to drive through the legislation on soft information expeditiously. It is very important. It has taken the Government a number of years to come around to the opinion that one does not need a referendum to legislate for soft information. While I recognise there must be consultation, all I want from the Taoiseach today is a commitment that the Government will prioritise the legislation, which is critical for children who are vulnerable or are likely to be victims of predators of the kind in question. When the consultation is taking place, can I take it that the spring legislative agenda will accord priority to legislating for soft information in the House? This side of the House will support the Government in passing and implementing the legislation as quickly as possible. I did not catch the Taoiseach's reply on whether a referendum on children's rights will be a commitment of the Government.

The former chief executive of the National Treasury Management Agency appeared before an Oireachtas committee and criticised Government policy in respect of NAMA. The Inland Fisheries Bill now states: "In carrying out duties under this section, the chief executive shall not question or express an opinion on the merits of any policy of the Government or a Minister of the Government or on the merits of the objectives of such policy." Is it a new departure that a provision such as this is to be inserted in all legislation such that people will not be able to speak their minds or tell the truth before Oireachtas committees? Is this change being made because of what occurred at the committee meeting at which the former chief executive of the National Treasury Management Agency gave his view on NAMA?

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