Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As regards the first matter raised by the Deputy, the Minister of State for children set out in his speech precisely when this matter was first discussed. The normal processes apply. When a report is published, it is sent out to Departments for their consideration, to examine the implications of the proposed wording for their individual areas of responsibility. They are also asked to consider what legislation would need to be put in place in advance of any referendum, and the matter is therefore referred to the Cabinet sub-committee on social inclusion to carry out that work and report back to the Government. That is the normal procedure. The Minister of State mentioned March in his speech, so that is the answer to the Deputy's question.

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