Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:421 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs his legislative priorities for 2003 and for the remainder of the 29th Dáil. [6320/03]
Written Answers - Legislative Programme.
As I indicated in my reply to a question of 4 February 2003, the enactment of the Official Languages (Equality) Bill 2002 is my Department's main legislative priority at present. The Bill has been published and has completed Second Stage in the Seanad. Discussions are nearing completion with the Office of the Attorney General regarding a number of technical amendments and in relation to a number of points raised in submissions on the Bill, including those from Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, Foras na Gaeilge, Conradh na Gaeilge and other parties. I anticipate that the Bill will proceed to Committee Stage in the Seanad in the near future.
An Agreed Programme for Government states that "a comprehensive reform of the law relating to charities will be enacted to ensure accountability and to protect against abuse of charitable status and fraud". My Department has responsibility for giving effect to this commitment and I will ensure that the necessary action is taken, in consultation with interested parties, notably the community and voluntary sector. Other legislation will be proposed as the need arises.