Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I brought this matter to the attention of the House last week and there has been no advance on last week with regard to that matter. It is still being considered and work is continuing. On the question of legislation being brought to the House, this was discussed at Leaders' Questions. It is now being prepared as a matter of urgency. It will be considered by the Government for approval and brought to the House as soon as possible thereafter, in a matter of weeks.

The wildlife Bill has been published. It was discussed at our parliamentary party meeting and the Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, will bring back some of the views. We all know the issues in the programme for Government. The Minister of State, Deputy Finneran, has heard the views of some of our parliamentary party members and he is reverting to the Minister with regard to those views.

The purpose of the Údarás na Gaeltachta ( Amendment) Bill, which is a short Bill, will be to increase the maximum interval between the elections and this Bill will be brought forward during this term in time for the elections.

We have received correspondence from the sole member of the tribunal, Mr. Justice Moriarty and this will be considered and discussed in due course.

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