Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

I wish to raise three matters. To come back to the Multi-Unit Developments Bill, that has to come to the House for Report Stage. It is particularly urgent legislation that has been hanging around for a long time. Will the Taoiseach ensure Report Stage happens next week? There should not be any difficulty in taking it up next week.

The second matter has been raised many times in the House. I note a recent comment from the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Barry Andrews, that the deliberative process within Government on the children's referendum Bill was almost complete and that there was some new form of wording to be published. When will that occur and will it be this side of Christmas?

On the final matter, both Deputies Kenny and Gilmore raised the issue of the Finance Bill. I appreciate the Taoiseach said he will be telling the House on budget day when we will be taking the Finance Bill. Will he be more specific? Does he not agree that the House should return at the very latest on 10 January and the Finance Bill should be taken up by 10 January?

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