The official languages (amendment) Bill is to be published in this session. Is it intended to publish the heads of the Bill first, and will they be referred to the committee for consideration before the publication of the final Bill? Is it also intended to publish the heads of the consumer protection and competition Bill, refer them to the committee and have that process finished within this term before publishing the final Bill? Similarly with regard to the Horse Racing Ireland (amendment) Bill, is it intended to publish the heads, refer them to the committee and then publish the full Bill in this session? When is it likely to happen?

Yes, the horse racing Bill will follow that pre-legislative process with the heads of the Bill going to the committee. The consumer protection and competition Bill is nearly completed, so it is way past the heads of Bill stage. It is practically finished so it will be brought before the House and then go to the committee in the usual way. In respect of the official languages (amendment) Bill, the heads will go to the Government and then will go to the committee where hearings will be held, as should be the norm to give a greater opportunity for everybody to have their say.

I welcome that.