Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

The Tánaiste has delivered a comprehensive statement to the House, which is welcome. It puts on the record exactly where the Government currently stands on the matter and is very useful, as is tonight's debate. I do not doubt for a moment the Tánaiste's commitment to bringing forward legislation. I welcome her announcement that her part of the arrangement will be honoured next week with the publication of legislation. We would welcome the legislation in this House should she choose to introduce it here. It will be a hard slog to get the legislation through both Houses before Christmas but I commend the Tánaiste on her efforts.

The Tánaiste stated that it is the Minister's intention to publish before Christmas the Civil Liability and Courts Bill and get it through the Houses in this session. I doubt that will happen. It is very comprehensive and important legislation. A key part of the whole programme is to reduce insurance costs, otherwise the scheme and programme of action will not work. It must be given the time required to go through the Houses of the Oireachtas; it should not be rushed and should be given the consideration it needs.