We hear a great deal of chatter in this House about rural jobs. When will the Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016 go to Report Stage? Many of the Taoiseach's Deputies, some of whom are sitting behind him, are big supporters of this Bill which I originally drafted. It went to Committee Stage from the Department of Justice and Equality in February. That industry needs this Bill to progress and be concluded by the summer because there are commitments on a range of works to create 1,000 jobs across Ireland and investments in capital infrastructure and in a range of marketing programmes. The Bill had the unanimous support of this House on Second Stage. I would appreciate it if it could be progressed to Report Stage as soon as possible to allow it be passed by the Seanad before the summer recess. Many people across the country in this growing fledgling industry are dependent on this legislation being passed soon.

The Minister, Deputy Flanagan, was in touch with me this morning. He cannot be here as he is attending a conference but he mentioned to me that the Deputy might raise this matter and asked me to pass on two messages. Essentially, he is very supportive of the Bill. The Government believes it is a very good Bill and it is keen to work with the Deputy to have it enacted. The Minister has sought and received a date in June for the Remaining Stages, so all other things being on schedule, there is no reason that cannot be enacted before the recess.