Enda Kenny
Question:1631 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his Department's legislative programme for the remainder of 2002; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14398/02]
Written Answers. - Legislative Programme.
As reflected in the Government's legislative programme for the autumn session published this week, my Department's legislative programme for the remainder of the year will be concerned solely with the advancement of the Official Languages (Equality) Bill, 2002.
The purpose of the Bill is to promote equality for the Irish and English languages as the official languages of the State and to provide a framework for the delivery of State bilingual services or through the medium of the Irish language.
This Bill has already passed Second Stage in Seanad Éireann and its enactment is a specific commitment in An Agreed Programme for Government. I anticipate that the Bill will be recommitted in the Seanad in the very near future.