It is proposed to take Nos. 1, 2, 5, 8, 22, 9 and 23. There will be no interruption today for Private Members' Business.
Return to Writs: North-East Donegal and Dublin South-West. - Order of Business.
Before Item No. 1 is taken I should like to refer to the Order of Business and to a particular matter which is already the subject matter of a question on today's Order Paper which unfortunately was not reached. I refer to the recent decision of the Supreme Court on a case taken under the Adoption Acts. In view of the widespread concern that this decision has caused to adoptive parents throughout the country and following on the statement recently made by the Department of Justice that amending legislation was to be introduced soon could the Taoiseach indicate how soon that legislation will be introduced?
The Leader of the Opposition mentioned that the statement that was issued indicated that legislation was being prepared. It is hoped that it will be in the hands of Deputies tomorrow. The idea would be to take it on Thursday. It is a complex matter and it may not be ready. But it is hoped it will be ready and, if so—subject to the agreement of the Opposition—will be taken on Thursday.
Is it the hope to complete the process of the legislation in this term?
Oh, yes.