Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

I raise three matters relating to promised legislation. First, when will the mental health Bill be published. It was originally suggested that the disposal of property might fund significant changes in mental health services. It would be proper to have the mental health Bill before us before any irrevocable decisions are taken.

Second, the biological weapons Bill, if it were passed, would enable us to sign the UN convention. The Bill seems to be very similar to the Cluster Munitions Bill so there is no reason for delay.

Third, there seems to be considerable confusion about the Údarás na Gaeltachta Bill. The Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have answered queries on the matter. The Tánaiste suggested that the Údarás na Gaeltachta Bill, which remains on the Government legislative programme, will not now proceeded. She says reachtaíocht úr, fresh legislation, will replace it. Cén stadas atá ag reachtaíocht i leith Údarás na Gaeltachta, is é sin Bille um Údarás na Gaeltachta (Leasú)? Tá amhras ar a lán daoine go mbeidh an t-údarás ag cailliúint a lán fheimhmeanna agus gurb é an toradh a bheidh air sin ná go mbeidh na gaeltachtaí uilig thíos leis.

See this speech in context