Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

Apropos the point raised by my colleague in respect of the national vetting bureau Bill, I wish to emphasise that I and other Members have referred to this matter on numerous previous occasions. It appears that other legislation is being given precedence. In order to be given precedence, the name of a Bill must appear on the pink pages of the legislative list. A classic example in this regard is the legislation listed at No. 10 on the pink pages. The purpose of the legislation to which I refer is to provide for a directly elected mayor for the Dublin region and for the powers, functions and election of the mayor and regional authority. That legislation is more important than the national vetting bureau Bill simply because it is listed on the pink pages. In light of all the issues that have arisen regarding this matter and in the context of the various replies the Taoiseach gave to Members in respect of it, why should the legislation relating to the direct election of a mayor for Dublin be given precedence over the national vetting bureau Bill?

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