Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Again, I wish to confirm that the review will happen. I agree with Deputy Daly for all the reasons she outlined. Often, there is confusion between the Departments with regard to which Department is in control. In the case of this review our Department is leading it. I can certainly commit to it as part of my work in the coming months as well.

The report is not on my desk yet. It will be there soon. I have no problem in that sense. We can discuss it in this House at that stage if needs be.

The idea behind public consultation is to broaden the conversation around this area. There is considerable interest in this among the public. Several Departments are represented on the working group. It is vital that we have a public consultation aspect to it as well. It delayed the process a little, but that was no harm. The public need to be aware of these matters and they need to be part of the conversation. I hope we will not have any more delays. When the report comes on my desk, I will have no problem discussing it further with a view to making the necessary changes.

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