Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Education and Science his proposals to ensure that his Department is capable of quickly and efficiently drafting legislation to put before the Houses of the Oireachtas; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of progress with the Student Support Bill 2008, the proposed Education (Patronage) Bill, the proposed George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Act 1998 (Amendment) Bill and the proposed Qualifications (Education and Training) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27285/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may be aware, the drafting of Government legislation is a matter for the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government which is the statutory body charged with that function. I am satisfied that the drafting of legislation on behalf of my Department is dealt with as expeditiously as possible in order that it may be put before the Houses of the Oireachtas for debate at the earliest opportunity.

The preparation of a scheme of Bill in relation to proposed legislation is a matter for my Department and I am satisfied also that this work is progressed as quickly as possible, taking account of the often complex policy and legal issues that arise, and the current constraints in relation to staffing and other resources.

It is inevitable that, both during the preparation of a scheme of Bill and during the drafting process, policy and legal issues arise that must be dealt with comprehensively before the relevant legislation can be progressed. Such issues can also arise during the passage of legislation through the Houses. As Minister for Education and Science I believe that it is essential to ensure that the legislation presented in my name is legally sound, even if some delay is necessary to ensure this.

The Student Support Bill has not yet moved to Committee stage, as a number of legal and policy issues which have arisen require resolution before the necessary amendments can be tabled at committee. Given the range and complexity of the issues to be addressed and the budgetary context in which the related administrative reform will have to be developed, it is now more likely that the Bill will progress to Committee stage in the autumn session. However, my Department continues to be fully committed to bringing forward this important piece of legislation in the shortest possible timeframe. The scheme of an Education (Patronage) Bill has been approved by Government for drafting and I hope to have the Bill published and passed during the Autumn session 2009.

In the case of the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund (Amendment) Bill 2009, preparatory work on the General Scheme of this Bill has been completed by my Department. I hope to have the Bill published and passed during the Autumn session 2009. With regard to the Qualifications (Education and Training) Bill, the Deputy will be aware that this amalgamation involves consolidating and amending functions currently performed by at least five separate agencies and presents a considerable legislative challenge. A period of consultation on the implementation of the amalgamation has recently concluded. The breadth and complexity of the issues involved is clear from the contents of the consultation paper. My Department is currently preparing the General Scheme of the required legislation, which I expect to bring to Government for approval in the Autumn. This is in line with the original timetable for the amalgamation and we remain on target for the establishment of the new organisation in late 2010.