Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his legislative priorities for the present Dáil session; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3907/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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My legislative priorities for the present Dáil session are included in the Government's legislative programme as announced by the Chief Whip on 30 January. The European Communities (Amendment ) (No. 2) Bill 2006 seeks to address issues raised by the Supreme Court in two recent judgements. It has been passed by the Seanad and the Second Stage is due to be taken in the Dáil during the present session. The Passports Bill will for the first time provide a comprehensive basis for the regulation and issuing of Irish passports. It will provide statutory recognition for the right, subject to certain conditions, of all Irish citizens to a passport and make provision for a statutory framework for issuance of passports, including through providing for a number of specific offences and penalties for the misuse or abuse of passport facilities; and for the legislative underpinning of the necessary fees regime. The draft Passports Bill is currently being finalised and will, in the near future, be submitted to Government, seeking the approval for the text of the Bill as drafted.