Initially, according to the Government's legislative programme, this Bill was to be published in 1998. I have raised this matter several times since I came into this House and subsequently the date was changed to early 1999. Then the Bill was to be introduced before Easter, as the Minister indicated was his intention. When the issue was raised on the Order of Business by Deputy Jim Higgins last Tuesday, the Tánaiste replied that it would be after Easter. Is the Minister certain that this legislation will be published before Easter of this year?
There are a number of vulnerable groups which will be covered under this legislation. The fact they will be covered means they are vulnerable to discrimination and it is demoralising for those groups when the date for publication of the legislation is constantly changed. Will the legislation be brought into operation in the near future? It was approved by the Cabinet in June 1997, 21 months ago.