Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

I wish to ask about two separate issues, both regarding imminent legislation. The first is the postal services Bill which has to be enacted prior to 1 January 2011. From my estimation, there will be approximately only two weeks in the session when this legislation can be debated. Will the Taoiseach ensure the legislation is published immediately so we can at least have consultation on it in advance? Will he guarantee that the legislation will not be guillotined in the House?

The second legislative measure relates to ratification by the Government of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. To ratify this, we must pass the mental capacity Bill. Will the Taoiseach indicate whether it is the Government's intention to publish this legislation prior to the end of this year and the commencement of the next session? Will he return to the House to clarify that once this legislation is enacted it will then be possible to ratify the UN convention without further impediment?

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