Noel Dempsey
Question:2 Mr. Dempsey asked the Taoiseach if he will confirm that it is the Government's intention to honour its promise to introduce all specific items of legislation contained in A Programme for a Government of Renewal. [2297/95]
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Legislative Commitments.
I am happy so to confirm.
I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. There are other promises contained in the Programme for Government for which legislation will clearly be needed. Can I take it, in keeping with his commitment in relation to my question that such legislation will be treated in like manner also?
If it is clearly needed.
Will the Taoiseach publish a timetable laying out his target for implementation of the various items in the Programme for Renewal?
No.
Two weeks ago the Government Chief Whip circulated a list of legislation that was to be taken between now and July. When I questioned the Taoiseach about the absence of legislation to deal with abortion information, he said it was a preliminary list and that it would be updated. Can the Taoiseach give me any idea when that particular legislation might be introduced?
That matter will appear on the list as soon as the Government has approved the legislation.
I know the Taoiseach is generally forthcoming when answering questions——
A Deputy
He is having a bad day.
——but, unfortunately, he has not given me any more information. We have been awaiting this legislation since the referendum over two years ago. The last Government, for whatever reason, was not in a position to bring forward the legislation. Will the Taoiseach give me a commitment that the legislation will be introduced this term?
I am aware that the Minister for Health has undertaken a lot of work on this and I believe he is well advanced in his consideration of the matter. I would not like to put a specific date on it yet but I am satisfied that he has been working on this issue as one of the major priority items in his work programme. I expect he will be in a position to come to Government very soon on the issue. Following that, a decision will be taken, the Government will announce that decision and we will be proceeding therefrom. I do not expect it will take very long.