asked the Minister for Agriculture if he can state when the Flax Bill introduced last December will be circulated.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Circulation of Flax Bill.
Dr. Ryan
The preparation of certain portions of the Bill required more time than was anticipated when the First Reading was taken. The drafting of the Bill has now been completed, and I expect to have it circulated at an early date.
Will it be ready for the crop this year?
I would like to know what "an early date" may mean, because the Minister must understand that if this Bill is to be any way effective in the way of flax growing, it should be passed by the Dáil now. It was introduced during the first week in December and it is still held up. It cannot be such a complicated one that it could not be put through the Dáil now. I should like to know for the information of potential flax growers what "an early date" means.
Dr. Ryan
In this case an early date would mean about 14 days.