There has been much discussion recently on the issue of criminality and how to deal with it. I note that there is a growing reliance on the tagging of criminals while they are on bail, but the best way to deal with such criminals is not to grant them bail in the first place. There would be no need to tag them if they were not out on bail. I ask the Taoiseach to bear this in mind in the preparation of legislation in the remaining six months of the life of this Dáil. This should be a priority and I would strongly urge that it be taken on board.

What is the current position of both the mediation Bill and the apprenticeship Bill, and what is the likelihood of their emerging in the shortest possible time and coming before the House before the end of this Dáil?

The mediation Bill is due early next year. Discussions are ongoing about certain elements of the apprenticeship Bill and have not yet concluded. As I have said already, the Second Stage debate on the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill is scheduled to begin tomorrow. Work is well under way on the broader issue of bail, but Deputy Durkan is free to make the point he has just made in his own articulate way when he gets a chance to speak during the debate tomorrow.