Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I make these points respectfully, although I have been subject to political criticism from the other side of the House. I hope the House will not divide tomorrow night on this important issue.

However, Members opposite will recall that we agreed in December to include provisions relating to good samaritans and volunteers in the civil law miscellaneous provisions Bill. Moreover, it is the view of Government, on the advice of the Attorney General, that the Law Reform Commission report and the Bill it produced, which Fine Gael has replicated verbatim, is not complete. As I said in my speech, it is important that we do this properly. The original advice from my Department was that we should oppose the Bill, but I consider it better to prioritise the passing of the civil law miscellaneous provisions Bill and adjourn the Fine Gael Bill for six months to ensure we give precedence to the Government Bill, which is in the final stages of drafting. As a result of provisions in the Government's Bill which must be passed before 31 July, namely, those relating to the granting of an intoxicating liquor licence for the national conference centre, the Bill will pass as a matter of priority. Therefore, I can assure Members that the provisions we are including in that Bill in respect of good samaritans will also become law before the summer.

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