Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Government White Paper on regulatory reform has a list of actions relating to the legislative process. One calls for provision of better, improved information on new legislation and commits to ensuring Departments and Government offices will provide Deputies with an improved information flow in respect of promised and pending legislation and, specifically, the publication of the heads of a Bill where feasible or appropriate. I have asked this question of the Taoiseach a number of times. Has progress been made? From my position, it does not appear to be the case. I cannot recall the last time I was circulated with the heads of a Bill. I am the spokesperson on health and children yet I cannot remember the last time the Department of Health and Children and the Minister, Deputy Harney, provided the heads of the Bill even though a number of items of legislation from that Department are going through the Houses. The commitment is there. What is the view of the Taoiseach on improvements to be made to live up to that promise? A number of items of legislation are promised for 2010. Does the Taoiseach know if the heads of any of these Bills will be published during the summer recess in order that Deputies have an idea of what will be addressed by them on the resumption of sittings after the recess?

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