Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I join others in wishing the Taoiseach the very best. We had the opportunity to serve as respective leaders in opposition. Despite the fact that we have very different political outlooks, on a personal level I have always found him to be a gentleman to deal with.

On the processing of legislation, there is a very serious problem because of the backlog of legislation, particularly in the committee system. This is a serious matter, not only in the case of Government legislation but also especially in the case of Private Members' legislation. The issue has been highlighted before, but there is one area that I want to bring to the Taoiseach's attention in his last days as leader and Taoiseach that he might be able to address. During the years legislation has been passed in this House particular sections of which have not yet been signed into active law. It is a major problem that particular sections of legislation that has passed through all Stages have yet to be properly acted on by the respective Ministers. I will reflect on one of the more recent Acts, but there are others on which I could reflect going back a number of years. I refer to the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 which governs a raft of matters of particular concern and interest in the justice area. There is a need to set clear timeframes for the delivery of all the remaining provisions of that Act which have not been implemented.

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