Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We should congratulate the new Garda Commissioner on her appointment, wish her well in the difficult and challenging job that lies ahead and exhort all Deputies and people in public life in general to offer their support to her and the other members of An Garda Síochána in their respective roles. On an associated issue, the Garda Síochána (malicious injuries compensation) Bill has been promised. Will the Taoiseach indicate when it is likely to be before the House and has it been cleared in preparation?

A Bill on the control and sale of alcohol has been discussed for some considerable time. I understand that a difficulty arose due to a pending court case in an adjoining jurisdiction that, when decided, was supposed to clear the way for the introduction of the legislation in this jurisdiction. When is the Bill likely to be before the House? Have its heads been prepared? Will it be passed in the next session? The time is too short in this one.

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