Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

The Senator is correct. I did say I was going to do it. I am happy to confirm it is included in the proposal I will bring to Cabinet next Tuesday. The real question – this is where I have to make a political judgment – is whether it would be more in the interests of making the law work to have to bring this Bill back to Dáil Éireann again and join the queue, bearing in mind that it took 11 months to get it through there and that we are coming to the end of this legislative term, or to get this out and follow it up as quickly as possible with the other Bill.

I should indicate that I have taken a close interest in the drafting of the heads of the other Bill. They are drafted to a very high standard. I hope the parliamentary counsel's process in the Office of the Attorney General will be quick. I am still hopeful, it may be an outside hope, that I will get the intoxicating liquor Bill through both Houses before rising for the summer recess.