Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the necessity to complete legislation on paternity leave in a timely manner, I am aware that Deputy Joan Burton was very committed to the Bill to which she referred, as is the Government, and I have no doubt that it will be passed in a timely manner. As the Deputy noted, an insurance based scheme must be in place if the payments are to be made later in the year.

On compliance with the EU directive, I do not have a timeframe for the introduction of legislation on tobacco packaging.

Departments are currently familiarising themselves with their portfolios and the commitments in the programme for Government and a legislative programme outlining Government priorities will issue in the coming weeks.

We have made contact with Departments regarding the restoration to the Order Paper of Bills that lapsed with the dissolution of the Dáil and the Seanad and hope to have that information in full in the coming weeks. The costings for the programme are within the €6.75 billion envelope and the whole programme is within the fiscal rules.

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