Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

With regard to the legislative programme and Bills expected to be published and in the context of the ongoing banking crisis, will the Tánaiste indicate when the Central Bank Bill will finally be published? This has been promised for over 12 months, but there is no sign of it coming into the House. This is crucial legislation for the restructuring of the Central Bank and the Financial Services Authority of Ireland. In the context of the crisis we are in the midst of, there is no excuse for the delay on this legislation. In a similar vein, when will we see the company law consolidation and reform Bill? This is essential legislation, but it is only on the "B" list. We have been told the heads have been agreed and the Bill is being drafted. Will both of these Bills be published before Easter?

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