I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 21 together.
Under the terms of the Law Reform Commission Act, 1975, the Law Reform Commission prepared a programme for submission by the Taoiseach to the Government for the examination of different branches of the law with a view to their reform. The programme was approved by the Government, and copies were laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 4 January 1977.
To date the Commission have formulated 34 reports, as well as 11 working papers and three consultation papers.
These reports and papers cover a broad range of topics, such as family law, property and conveyancing, the law of evidence and rules of procedure in court, criminal law, rape, the law of defamation, collection of debts and taxes, compensation for personal injuries, the statute of limitations, receiving stolen property, etc. Legislation to implement the recommendations of the commission, as appropriate, is brought forward by the Minister concerned in accordance with the Government's legislative programme.
As soon as possible after the end of each year, the Taoiseach submits to Government the report of the commission on its activities during the year. The report is then laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas. Even such annual reports have been issued to date, the last of which is for the year ending December 1989.