In response to frequent questions from this side of the House on the housing (miscellaneous provisions) Bill, Government Members have assured us that it will be forthcoming this session. Given that the session will end in July, will the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform be more specific than those who have responded on this issue? The Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, has indicated that she is committed to addressing the crisis for local authorities. It is necessary for the Minister to be more specific in order that we can prepare our amendments to the Bill.

I am informed by the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, that the Bill will be published in the next couple of weeks and debated in the House before the summer recess.