Dáil debates
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Order of Business
4:00 pm
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is proposed to take No. 9, Criminal Justice Bill 2011- Second Stage (resumed). It is also proposed to take Private Members' business, which shall be No. 25 â Motion re Government and Oireachtas reform.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
There are no proposals to be put to the House today.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
No. 23 on the Order Paper is the Twenty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (No. 2) Bill 2011. While I welcome the publication of the Government's Bill on corporate donations, it abandons the commitment to a complete ban outlined in the programme for Government.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
That programme stated that the Government will introduce necessary legal and constitutional provisions to ban corporate donations to political parties. The outline of the Bill that has been published will allow corporate donations to continue and confirms that there will be no constitutional ban put to the people. There will be no complete ban on corporations. In the light of the Taoiseach's previous commitment, would he consider accepting No. 23 on the Order Paper?
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Does the Deputy not feel embarrassed raising this?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Will you ignore the side comments?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Government voted down our Bill.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Ignore the side comments and ask your questions.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
How many bankers has the Minister put in jail?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Deputy Kelleher, show some respect for your leader.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I would just like to make one point. Deputy Shatter's party has raised more in corporate donations in the last few years than any other political party in this House. That is a fact. His party has not been subjected to the same scrutiny.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
That must break Deputy Martin's heart.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Many of Deputy Rabbitte's people have been doing it as well for a long time.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Deputy should not put on his Mother Teresa face.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
There has been agreement across the House for every party to commit to banning corporate donations. There is a Bill on the Order Paper and will the Taoiseach accept that Bill to give effect to the commitment that he himself made to ban corporate donations?
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Did the last Government not stop poor John Gormley when he tried it?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
That is not even a brass neck. That is a neck of toughened platinum from which the memory chip has been removed.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The memory chip has been removed in the context of the Moriarty tribunal.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Bill proposed by the Government will seriously reduce corporate donations. Banning corporate donations outright would invite a serious constitutional challenge. That is the legal advice that I have received. The last Government got the same advice, and whether it was dig outs or tents or whatever, it carried on regardless and now Deputy Martin is in here calling for such donations to be banned outright so that everybody should proceed on an even keel. The Bill will seriously impact on what went on before. It will bring transparency and accountability to this area and will deal with it for once and for all. I do not want to follow the Deputy's advice and see a constitutional challenge which will hold the thing up for years. This will go through very quickly.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
No. 23 on the Order Paper deals with the constitutional issue. That is the point.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Deputy is so used to dig outs that now that he is in a hole, he cannot stop digging.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Taoiseach is avoiding the issue.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I agree. It is a scandal. Somebody should do something about it.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Deputies, please calm down. I call Deputy Adams.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Tá dÃospóireacht ar fiacha an Rialtais á lorg agam, i ndiaidh an méid a dúirt an Aire, an Teachta Varadkar, agus na hAirà eile. Tá daoine ar fud na háite ag caint faoi fiacha an Rialtais. Tá na dogs on the street ag caint faoi seo, ach nÃl cead againn dÃospóireacht a dhéanamh faoi.
There has been widespread discussion everywhere about the comments of the Minister, Deputy Vardadkar, that a second bailout will be needed. The Taoiseach's Ministers have been filling out each other's report cards on this issue. Another Minister, Deputy Bruton, said there was no need to go to the markets-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Are we inquiring about legislation here?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
We have left Leaders' Questions. We are on the Order of Business.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I am seeking a discussion. I am asking the Taoiseach-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
We do not have a discussion on the Order of Business. We have questions.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It must relate to legislation.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Will the Taoiseach allow for a debate on this issue? Will he allow it this evening? Does he appreciate that a series of Ministers have given totally contradictory messages on the issue of the debt?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
That is out of order.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Chuir an Teachta isteach go mór orm agus é ag caint. B'fhéidir go raibh deacrachtaà canúinte i gceist. Nuair a labhair sé faoin Aire, an Teachta Varadkar, nà raibh a fhios agam céard go dÃreach a bhà sé ag caint faoi.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Baineann na deacrachtaà canúinte le mÃniú an fhocail. Tá cead ag an Teachta é seo a árdú trÃd an PhrÃomh-Aoire ag cruinniú na n-AoirÃ. Beidh cead aige labhairt amach faoi seo ó thaobh an Bille Airgeadais atá ag dul trÃd na Dála faoi láthair.
Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context
With regard to promised legislation, will the Taoiseach agree that since neither Fine Gael, the Labour Party or Fianna Fáil declared any corporate donations in 2010, it is now in order to remove the planned legislation dealing with this from the Order of Business?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Please do not answer that. It is out of order.
Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is about promised legislation.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
This is not an amusement centre. We are trying to run our business.
Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
You will only encourage them, a Cheann Comhairle.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Dáil will deal with Second Stage of the Criminal Justice Bill 2011 after the Order of Business. There is a shared commitment among all parties of the House to address the issue of white-collar crime through that Bill. However, remarks about the Bill by the Director of Public Prosecutions at the weekend have undermined the commitment of the House with regard to the Anglo Irish Bank investigation. Can the Taoiseach update us on whether the Government considers this investigation a priority? Will he comment on the remarks of the Director of Public Prosecutions?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
He cannot comment on the remarks of the Director of Public Prosecutions. It is not in order on the Order of Business.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Minister, Deputy Shatter, commented on him every day of the week. He was almost the Director of Public Prosecutions in his own right.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions is an independent statutory body, as the Deputy is aware, and the Director of Public Prosecutions is entitled to make his point of view known.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Does the Taoiseach agree with it?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Government has set out its priorities on this. That is why the Minister for Justice and Equality introduced the Bill dealing with white-collar crime-----
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Bill of the former Minister, Mr. Dermot Ahern.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
-----which has been hanging around for a long time and is now going through the House. I do not have any control - nor does anybody else - over comments made by the Director of Public Prosecutions, as he is entitled to comment.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Does the Taoiseach agree with the comments?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
As far as we are concerned, we want to see the law of the land apply effectively and swiftly to those to whom it should apply. In that context, the Minister for Justice and Equality has introduced the white collar crime Bill.
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
In his statement on banking at the end of March, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, said that a decision on whether to impose losses on senior bondholders at Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide would await the final stress test results for those institutions. I understand the Central Bank has published those results today and the figures are unchanged; the total bill is about â¬35 billion.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Sorry, where are we going here?
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
This is in order, a Cheann Comhairle, if I may finish. Before the election, the Taoiseach said that Fine Gael in Government-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
There is no need to remind us what he said before the election.
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
-----would be committed to forcing bondholders to share the costs-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Deputy should just ask him about legislation.
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
This is a commitment-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I will ask the Deputy to sit down.
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is a commitment to bring in business. It is about the taking of business.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
No. The Deputy must ask about legislation. He does not have to go over what the Taoiseach said six months ago.
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is promised legislation.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
There is no legislation.
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Fine Gael stated that it was committed, in Government, to forcing bondholders to share in the costs of recapitalising covered institutions, including senior debt for institutions such as Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I ask the Deputy to resume his seat.
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
-----that are no longer of any systemic economic importance.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Deputy will not abuse the House.
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
When will these proposals come to the House?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
When I ask the Deputy to sit down, will he please sit down?
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is crystal clear.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Deputy is totally out of order. He is entitled to ask about legislation that is promised.
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is promised.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Is legislation promised?
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is perfectly in order.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
There is no legislation promised here, a Cheann Comhairle. The Central Bank will publish those results this afternoon and the Minister for Finance and the Government will study them, as is appropriate.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Did the Taoiseach know they were to be published?
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
What about the promise?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Deputy Boyd Barrett.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I ask Deputy Boyd Barrett to do me a favour and remain in order, please. I do not want to keep having to ask him to resume his seat. I ask him to do me a favour for once.
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Believe me, a Cheann Comhairle, I am trying my best.
With regard to promised legislation-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Thanks be to God.
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The fiscal responsibility Bill is in the Taoiseach's legislative programme. When will the Bill be introduced? Will it deal with matters which were further-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
No. The Deputy has explained now.
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I am asking about what it will deal with.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
No; you cannot do that. You are straying now.
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Taoiseach-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
You are spoiling it all, as they say. Taoiseach, when will this legislation be introduced?
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Will this legislation deal with the obscenity, highlighted at the weekend-----
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
-----of former Ministers who helped bankrupt this country walking off with pension pots worth millions?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
When will the Bill be introduced?
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Will the fiscal responsibility Bill deal with that matter?
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
There is great talk now.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I ask the Deputy to resume his seat. When will the legislation come in?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The fiscal responsibility Bill is No. 12 on the list of legislation which was to be published this session. To be truthful, however, it is being shoved back a bit because of the time-limited requirements of the IMF-EU deal with regard to a number of other Bills across a range of sectors. I have referred to these before. To be straight about it, while it is listed at No. 12, it will probably not be published this session because other Bills are listed as conditions of the IMF-EU bailout deal.
Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I will give credit where it is due. I commend the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, on his honesty and straight talking at the weekend. It is very refreshing.
Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I understand there have been communications between the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Office of the Attorney General with regard to legislation to abolish upward-only rent reviews. When can we expect to see that legislation in the Chamber?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
That is currently being drafted. I cannot give an accurate date for its introduction, but I assure the Deputy it is being worked on.
Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
When, approximately, can we expect to see legislation based on the Duffy-Walsh report on joint labour committees and registered employment agreements?
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Is the Deputy going to write a bit about it?
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
At least he would know what to write, unlike the Government.
Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Ceann Comhairle, I ask you-----
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Will he get the JLC rate?
Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I ask the Ceann Comhairle to remind Deputy Rabbitte that I am busy at the moment and I would like to ignore him some other time.
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context
He will get double time for it.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
He will get double time on Sunday.
Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Can we depend on the Government to keep it that way?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I am not sure whether Sunday rates apply to articles written on Thursday or Friday.
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Ask Deputy Ross.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation is discussing the Duffy-Walsh report with the social partners. He will report back to the Government, which will make a decision.
Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Will it be in this session, in view of the fact that he says it is so urgent?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Government expects to make a decision on this by the end of June.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
During the course of the discussion of the jobs initiative in the House, the Government indicated that there would be a reallocation of funding within Departments. I have asked this question in the past: when will we have clarity on which programmes will not now go ahead as a result of the reallocation of â¬106 million of the â¬136 million in funding that was announced in the initiative? The Taoiseach said in the course of the debate on the Finance (No. 2) Bill 2011 that Ministers attached to relevant Departments would provide that information to the House, but that, unfortunately, did not happen. When does he propose to get the information on projects that will not now go ahead and put it before the House?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Deputy is aware that, as outlined by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and the Minister for Finance, the bulk of the money for the jobs initiative comes from the levy on the pension industry. There are no programmes that will not go ahead, although there will be some capital works, which have already been referred to, that cannot go ahead because of insufficient moneys. No programmes are being abandoned. Committee Stage of the Finance (No. 2) Bill will allow the Deputy to pursue any other questions he has in this regard.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I ask about the scheduling of a debate which should happen today. Maybe the Government Ministers need a few hours to come up with their own line, but the debate is urgent. It is about what will happen at the end of next year with regard to the bailout.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Sorry, that is not in order.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Taoiseach continues to say there is no need for a second bailout in 2012.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Deputy, you are out of order.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The reality is that we are talking about 2013. That is when the money will be needed, and that is as far as we can go. Will this Government schedule a debate on the issue of when-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Deputy should ask his Whip to arrange for such a debate. That is how he should go about such things.
Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
He is a very capable Whip, too.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is not promised.
5:00 pm
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Is it not appropriate in terms of the scheduling of business on the Order of Business?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
No, it is not. It is quite clear if you read the Standing Order. I do not want to be always interrupting Deputies. You will have to read the Standing Order. These matters are dealt with through the Whips. Deputies ask their whip to ask for a debate on such and such and we then deal with it. If a commitment is given for a debate then one can ask when it will be held.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
On a point of order, I want clarification. Is it not appropriate under the Order of Business to ask about the taking of business or the setting of business?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
If it has been promised.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
If it has been promised.
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
There are plenty of promises.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It does not say that.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It does. It is quite clear.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I refer to the Standing Order. It does not refer to whether it has been promised. The taking of business is a legitimate matter-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It has to be promised.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
-----to raise on the Order of Business.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
If it has been promised.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I ask you to review that.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Deputies can ask when promised business or legislation will be taken. This is about when things will be taken, not about whether we will have a debate.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
That is what I am asking. Can we have a debate on this? There is huge confusion. Yesterday, inaccurate information was given in the media by senior Ministers in this regard.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I suggest with respect that you ask your Whip to look into the matter.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
On a separate matter, with regard to promised legislation on political reform the programme for Government states legislation will be introduced that will give the Ceann Comhairle the authority to ensure a Minister responds directly to a question being asked by a Member of the Opposition. When is it proposed that such legislation will be introduced? Will there be any overseeing mechanisms to ensure the Ceann Comhairle pursues that function in a very equal manner?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I take grave exception to your smart remark and I ask you to withdraw it. I am here to adhere to the rules laid down by Standing Orders and I do not wish you or any other Deputy to be passing smart remarks. I ask you to withdraw that remark.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I have nothing to withdraw. I have asked a very serious question-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Yes, you do. You referred to me-----
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
-----on the programme for Government-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
-----in a derogatory fashion.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Yes, you did and I ask you please-----
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Let me be very clear on this-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Let me be very clear with you. I ask you to resume your seat. I will not tolerate smart remarks from you. I apply the rules as stated in Standing Orders. I call Deputy Mac Lochlainn and if he is not prepared to speak I will call somebody else.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I will take my chance, no problem.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Deputy knows what he can ask. It is about promised legislation.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Absolutely. You have to get your p's and q's right when you are in here.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
You are correct.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
My question is on promised legislation in the programme for Government, if that is permissible.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
If it is promised.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Yes, it is promised. It is in the programme for Government.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Matters in the programme for Government are not promised legislation.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
With regard to hello money and rural Ireland's fishing and farming communities, there were huge protests at the gates last week and farmers spoke about practices in the retail sector. The programme for Government promises legislation to deal with hello money and the abuse in the retail sector of the farming community.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Is there promised legislation here?
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The programme for Government also promises to deal with replacing criminal sanctions with administrative sanctions for minor offences in the fishing community.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The Deputy will get an answer. There is no need to expand.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
These are two huge issues for the rural community. May we see some priority from the Government, not in the next round but immediate priority? Will the Taoiseach answer these questions?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is now 5.05 p.m. and we have other legislation to deal with.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
We have been in office for ten weeks. Do you think we can enact the entire programme for Government in ten weeks?
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Let us have an answer. Maybe the Minister will start answering questions instead of lecturing us on democracy. That would really help.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I do not have an accurate date for the legislation on hello money. It is part of the programme for Government which will run for five years. It also provides, as the Deputy is aware, that we will replace the criminal sanction system for minor fisheries offences with an administrative sanctions system which will bring Ireland into line with other European jurisdictions. This was raised by Deputy Harrington and a number of other Deputies in the past few weeks-----
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
And by me on three occasions.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is not on the list for publication in this session but it is something that will come into focus when we deal with the timeline legislation we are required to deal with under the IMF-EU deal.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Fianna Fáil wants a referendum on hello money.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
We are more radical than you guys.
Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The issue of personal debt continues to be a cause of huge stress for many people and a very destabilising force on our economy.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Is the Deputy referring to the Minister, Deputy Varadkar?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Is the Deputy's microphone on?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Move to the left.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
That is what you guys have been trying to do unsuccessfully.
Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I have no space here.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Watch this space.
Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
My question on promised legislation is that we have indicated a commitment on the reform of bankruptcy law and personal insolvency procedures. Will the Taoiseach inform the House when this legislation will come before it?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
The major Bill on personal insolvency will be published in the new year. It is serious legislation. There will also be a number of other minor amendments published in the civil law (miscellaneous provisions) Bill which is being drafted at present.
Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
When can we expect the Murphy commission report on the diocese of Cloyne to be published? Unlike some of the other promises made by the Government during the election, can we expect it to stand by its commitment to extend the Murphy commission to all other Catholic dioceses throughout the country?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
There are ongoing discussions about the process of redaction of some elements of the report. The Minister for Justice and Equality informs me we expect it to be completed possibly in the next three weeks which would allow the Government to consider its publication.
Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context
May we have a private briefing in advance?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I call Deputy Crowe.
Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context
With regard to jobs and the national vetting bureau Bill, I do not know whether it will impact on the internship proposals but at present it can take up to six months for anyone dealing with children or vulnerable adults to be cleared. Someone in a job dealing with young people must reapply and it can take up to six months. This is a crazy situation which affects people's livelihoods and their potential to get a job. I know of crèches which are closed at present because of the wait for this Bill. I presume the Taoiseach will state that publication is expected, but when? It needs to be prioritised.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I agree that the vetting process takes too long at present. The Minister for Justice and Equality has done some work on this and is well aware of this fact. We hope, through a process, to get extra assistance in the vetting office. It does not take very long to train competent people in the vetting process and work is being done on this. I expect the national vetting bureau Bill to be published by October.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
That completes the Order of Business-----
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I have had my hand up for the past ten minutes.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
You were up already. Is your question on promised legislation?
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It is on a promised debate.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context
What is it, then?
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
On a few occasions, the Taoiseach was asked whether he was open to having a debate on the McCarthy report and he indicated he was. However, there is still no sign of that debate. Given the proximity of the next EU-IMF quarterly review, will we have a chance to discuss the McCarthy report in the House before the Taoiseach tells them what he will sell off?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I assume that as this is a major priority for Deputy Boyd Barrett's he will have Deputy Catherine Murphy raise it at the Whips' meeting-----
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
I have.
Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context
It has been raised continuously.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context
-----and he can be assured the Chief Whip will be flathúlach in his response.
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context
He has not been so far.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context
Deputy Boyd Barrett did not ask in the right way.