Joe Higgins
Question:758 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the legislative priorities of his Department for the current session of Dáil Éireann. [11482/03]
Written Answers. - Legislative Programme.
As I indicated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 421 of 4 March 2003, the enactment of the Official Languages Bill 2002 is the main legislative priority of my Department at present. This Bill completed Committee Stage in Seanad Éireann on 10 April 2003 and is scheduled for Report Stage in that House on Thursday, 8 May.
Priority drafting for an islands Bill has also been agreed in the new legislative programme. Under this proposed legislation it is intended to consolidate existing legislative provisions and to provide for new ministerial powers in regard to provision of ferry and air transport for offshore islands.