Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of Deputy Kyne's Bill. I acknowledge the work he put into its preparation. I was surprised to learn on becoming Minister for Social Protection that the drafting of legislation, in terms of the fine legal details, is a lengthy process. The heads of the gender recognition Bill have been considered in committee, the report of which I am currently considering. The last number of years have been exceptionally busy for the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel in terms of the drafting of legislation. I understand that office is currently working flat out on the Civil Registration (Amendment) Bill. I hope it will be published in April and, failing this, by the end of June.

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