Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. Since the Government was formed, the programme for Government contains a very clear commitment for the introduction of this fair deal legislation, particularly insofar as it impacts on family farms and small businesses. The Government is disposed to bringing in this legislation. It is on the legislative priority list for drafting. The drafting is being finalised and I have been informed that it will be possible to bring it to the Dáil before the summer recess. I will go back to double-check this with the parliamentary draftsman, with the Attorney General and with the Minister. I am just as determined to get this legislation passed as anybody. Obviously we want to get it right as well. I understand that in previous years, the delay in the legislation coming in was to do with issues around the precise nature of the legislation and what it would and would not include. We are giving this priority. It needs to happen and we are committed to making sure that it will happen.

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