I wish to raise two matters. Yesterday we heard that the consolidated domestic violence legislation will be published in the summer. Can the Minister say if there is a sense of urgency about this legislation and the timetable for it? When might we expect it to be enacted, given that it is a matter of some urgency? As I am on the subject, I draw the Minister's attention to the announcement yesterday that the Women's Aid refuge in Dundalk is due to close in June. There was a similar scenario last year in Wexford. Other places are stretched-----

The Deputy knows she is out of order.

I am making the point to the Minister. I am sure he appreciates the seriousness of it.

Second, the new directive on public procurement was agreed almost three months ago at European level. The purpose of the directive is to make better use of the procurement procedure to support wider social goals. The Government has 24 months to introduce the legislation to implement the directive. Many small and medium enterprises, SMEs, are effectively locked out of procurement because the current rules are so restrictive, so this directive is a good advance. I urge the Government to deal with it legislatively with all due haste. When does it propose to bring forward that legislation?

On the last matter raised by the Deputy, I will have to refer back to her with an accurate answer. She will receive a letter accordingly on the matter.

On the first matter, a letter has been sent to the Deputy by the Minister, Deputy Shatter. She might not have seen it yet, but it is dated 21 March.

I have seen it.

The situation is the same as outlined in the letter. It is intended to have the heads of the Bill dealing with domestic violence completed by summer this year and to implement the legislation as quickly as possible after that.