Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The local government Bill is due to come before the Government shortly. I expect it will be published shortly thereafter. The intention is that it will go to the committee. However, we are anxious to have the legislation enacted and in place in advance of the local elections next year so that the measures proposed will take effect when new councils are elected in 2014. The Bill is at an advanced stage of preparation and I expect it will be dealt with by the Government in the near future.

See this speech in context