Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to put three questions to the Tánaiste that relate directly to her Department. The first is the mortgage (special courts) Bill. As the Tánaiste is aware, this deals with the situation whereby many families throughout the country are still in trouble paying their mortgages for a variety of reasons. An increasing number of cases for repossession are before the courts. The Bill is meant to allow a dedicated new court to sensitively handle mortgage arrears and other personal insolvency issues. Can the Tánaiste confirm when this Bill is expected to be published?

The second question relates to the criminal justice (proceeds of crime) Bill. There is considerable agreement in the House on the urgency of this legislation. Can the Tánaiste give a timetable of when this will be published and passed? Will it be sent for pre-legislative scrutiny?

As we are all aware, the EU Council is being held today. Given the Brexit referendum result, we all agree on the need for intensive engagement with the UK Government and Stormont in respect of Ireland's unique position and relationship with the North. Can the Tánaiste confirm whether initial contacts have been made by her with her counterpart on justice matters in the UK?

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