Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Arrangements have been made in practical terms for the foreshore licensing issue to be dealt with by that Department as matters stand. While I do not know what further legislative arrangements are needed for it, the practical issue has been dealt with. Six Bills have been published and one Bill, namely, the criminal justice (defence and the dwelling) Bill, has been approved by the Cabinet and awaits publication. A further eight Bills that were not on the A list have also been published during this session.

In respect of Bills that have not been published to date, the education patronage Bill has been submitted to the Cabinet for approval very soon. The local government (Dublin mayor and regional authority) Bill also is an issue that is being worked on at present. As for the environmental liability Bill, among other things, the Government awaits advice from the Attorney General on an issue in that regard. The biological weapons Bill is in the final stages of being agreed between the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Parliamentary Counsel. There have been delays to the progress of the civil law (miscellaneous provisions) Bill due to drafting difficulties pertaining to the enforcement of court orders relating to maintenance debtors. The provisions of the criminal justice (legal aid) Bill require development by the Department in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General. As for the mental capacity Bill, drafting is ongoing but has been delayed. Work continues on this issue and much effort will be required to have it published during the summer recess.

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