Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

A Cheann Comhairle, I wish to raise two items of promised legislation and one in respect of which you might be able to offer assistance. The first is the criminal law (sexual offences) Bill. What steps have been taken to bring it before the House? Have the heads of the Bill been discussed or is it prepared and ready for publication? Second, the legal services Bill is to provide for the regulation of the legal professions and give effect to the reports of the Competition Authority and the legal costs working group. This is an issue that affects the entire economy. To what extent has the preparation of this Bill been progressed? Can the Minister give the House some indication of its progress and the date of its introduction in the House?

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