Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

As I stated, the question of updating legislation in this area been considered independently by the Department of Justice and Law Reform as a matter of course. It is 50 years since the legal framework was established. The important task is to ensure everything is done within the law and properly.

The Minister for Justice and Law Reform and his Department will consider the report - it is now completed - and make proposals to the Government in due course. That is the position. Obviously Deputies have views on these matters but it is ultimately a matter for the Government to bring forward its proposals. That is the way the matter will be dealt with in the normal course of events.

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