Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The budget date has been mentioned. It is 7 December. With regard to the children's referendum, that work is continuing. I understand the Minister of State with responsibility for children's rights was before the joint committee recently and updated it on some of the thinking and the work that is ongoing with the Attorney General. He will be reverting to the committee as soon as further work is completed. Until that work has been completed and considered by the Cabinet, I cannot give a date on anything.

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