Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I concur with the previous speakers with regard to the payment of sub-contractors. Incidentally, I raised this matter with the Minister some two and a half years ago. It took a great deal of time for the legislation to come before the House and there should be no need to deal with this now.

There are approximately 40 Bills on the published list before the House, some of which have been on the list for three years. The list indicates that, "publication is expected", "it is not possible to indicate at this stage" or "publication is expected in 2011". Either 2011 will be an extra long year or there will be little else done except what is contained in this legislative programme. Will the Taoiseach indicate if it will be possible in future to bring forward legislation which is deemed to be urgently required at a given time? Examples include the bail amendment Bill, a matter I and others have raised previously, and the legal costs Bill, which has been also raised previously. Such legislation could have an impact on dealing with crime, in particular organised crime, and the costs accruing to the State arising from tribunals.

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