Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 18: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if he will adopt the Institutional Child Abuse Bill 2009, a Private Members Bill proposed by the Labour Party; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26675/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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Following the publication of the Ryan Report the Taoiseach and members of the cabinet met with representatives of the survivors of abuse. Meetings were also held with the relevant religious congregations. At these meetings and through other submission a range of matters were raised including issues such as those raised in the proposed Bill referred to in the question. These matters will be considered fully by the Government with a view to giving a comprehensive response as soon as possible.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Education and Science when he expects the Oireachtas Committee on Education and Science to take the Committee Stage of the Student Support Bill 2008; if the Bill has been shelved indefinitely; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26678/09]

Batt O'Keeffe (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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The Student Support Bill has not 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. There are a number of reasons why progress to Committee Stage with the Bill has taken longer than originally anticipated. A number of amendments had to be considered arising from a review of the Bill following the Second Stage debate, further consultations since publication and legal advice received.

Given the range and complexity of the issues to be resolved, it is now more likely that the Bill will progress to committee stage in the autumn session.

My Department will continue to liaise with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Science in this regard with a view to moving forward as expeditiously as possible as soon as the proposed amendments have been finalised.