I wish to inquire of An Taoiseach the current position in respect of the mediation Bill, which is promised legislation and which has extensive implications. When is it likely to come before the House? Will it be in the current year? Similarly, I refer to the defence (amendment) Bill, which is to revise the Defence Forces Acts regarding the deployment of Irish troops overseas. When is that Bill likely to come before the House and will Members have sight of it before the end of this year?

While I do not have a date for the defence (amendment) Bill, the mediation Bill will be introduced later this year.