Michael Noonan
Question:85 Mr. Noonan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her Department's legislative programme for the first half of 2002; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4086/02]
Written Answers. - Legislative Programme.
I have a substantial programme of legislation reflecting the broad spectrum of my departmental responsibilities which I propose to progress over the coming months with the continuing co-operation of the Houses, and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to the Government. The following published Bills are currently at various stages before the Houses: Competition Bill, 2001, Whistleblowers Protection Bill, 1999 and Patents (Amendment) Bill, 1999. I also wish to progress a number of Bills not yet before the Houses and where the Government has approved draft heads: Industrial and Provident Societies (Amendment) Bill, Companies (Amendment) (Audit) Bill and Late Payment in Commercial Transactions Bill. I will shortly bring draft heads to Government in relation to the following two Bills: Work Permits Bill and Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) Bill.
Work will also continue in my Department on the process of company law review and consolidation with particular reference to the work of the company law review group. I will also be progressing a programme of secondary legislation, including the transposition of EU directives, over the coming months.