On section 2, when does the Minister intend to bring this legislation into effect? Section 2 states: "This Act shall come into operation on such day as the Minister by order appoints". Assuming the Dáil has completed its business on the Bill and the Seanad likewise, when does the Minister intend the Bill to become operative.
SECTION 2.
Question proposed: " That section 2 stand part of the Bill."
Once the Act has been passed it is expected the Superior Court Rules-Making Committee will make revised bankruptcy rules to accord with the administrative changes provided for in the Bill. Once the rules have been made and concurred in by me the Act will then become law. I do not anticipate that the preparation of the new bankruptcy rules should cause any great delay. I cannot be more precise than that. I cannot actually give you a date on it, because that procedure has to be followed.
As we understand it at the moment this is one of the difficult administrative areas in the courts. Can we take it that anything that can be done to provide staffing or administrative assistance will be done? It is something that we hear quite frequently in relation to these areas, why they are not prepared, why they are not ready in time. I do not mean from the Minister's side. I am talking about the administrative side in the courts. This would avoid a lengthy delay when it comes to that stage.
I do not envisage any undue delay for that reason. We will be in a position to move reasonably quickly.
Question put and agreed to.