Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

The reason I raise this is because while I am aware of the process undertaken with regard to the submissions, I am also aware that in March the Minister told us he would publish a paper within weeks. This month his party leader, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, stated the heads of the Bill were expected by the end of the summer. In sum, my concern is that there is some foot dragging on this. I do not think I need to emphasise to the Minister how important this legislation is. It needs to be robust and fit for purpose but it also needs to be published. We need a firm timetable.

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