asked the Taoiseach if the New Ireland Forum will report before the end of this year; if the report will be laid before the Dáil for debate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

It has been the intention that the Forum would report before the end of the year. Every effort is being made towards this end and it is hoped that any overrun, should it occur, would be of short duration.

The question of laying the Forum's report before the Dáil for debate will not arise until the report is available.

I thank the Taoiseach for the reply. He has stated that there will be an overrun. Could the indicate whether the overrun will go beyond, say, Easter of next year?

I have not stated that there will be an overrun. I said it has been the intention that the Forum will report before the end of the year. Every effort is being made towards this end and it is hoped that any overrun, should it occur, would be of short duration.