Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)

I do not know what more I can say on the subject. The Bill has been extensively revised and rebalanced in terms of the heads put out for public consultation. As I said yesterday, the Official Secrets Act inhibits public servants from divulging virtually any information and, as far as I am aware, the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is a remarkably leakproof institution. I am grateful to my officials for their constant vigilance in upholding the highest standards of confidentiality in that Department.

A fairly lurid headline in today's newspapers arose from remarks I made yesterday to the effect that I may not be able, given the rush of legislation, to review the Official Secrets Act. In that regard, I appear to be capitulating on the programme for Government. The article stated that "all targets may not be met", a sweeping statement in the context of what I had to say. If it makes people happier, I will redouble my efforts to have officials review the Official Secrets Act. It is hoped, given the substantial legislative programme before us, we will be able to deal with that issue. It is important to point out that 25 items of legislation have passed through the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform within the past two and a half years. The volume of legislation dealt with has been phenomenal and I am grateful to my officials for their effort in that regard.