asked the Minister for Health the projected time still required by him to bring to a conclusion his recent consultations on the issue of the amendment of the laws on contraception.

7.

asked the Minister for Health if he intends to introduce family planning legislation during the present Dáil session.

: With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 and 7 together.

While no time limit has been set, I expect to conclude consultations on the amendment of the law on contraception shortly. I doubt that it will be possible to introduce the family planning legislation in the present session.

: May I take it that the Minister expects to be able to introduce it in the next session?

: That would be my ambition and intention.

: We have already waited 30 years.

: Would the Minister say whether he intends introducing this legislation before Christmas?

: I have already indicated to Deputy Browne that that is my intention and ambition.