Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

For the third time, we have a list of 17 Bills to be published between the start of this session and the start of the next. It is now 12 weeks since the Dáil last met. The Government has done no work in putting together a structure for Dáil committees. What Dáil committees is it proposed to form? When can we expect proposals from the Government Whip on this matter? How are these Bills to be dealt with if a committee structure is not in place? Given the significantly increased membership of Fine Gael in the House, we have put proposals to the Government Whip that the d'Hondt system, which operates in most European countries, would apply in respect of membership of committees and responsibility for running them. What committees will be established and when will we see proposals for their formation?

It is, unfortunately, too late for the two firemen who lost their lives yesterday that I refer to the Farrell Grant Sparks report of 2002. That report pointed out that it was 25 years since a major revamp of fire services throughout Ireland had been carried out and made recommendations to improve the situation. Can we see a report on this matter in due course?

The Tánaiste was Minister for Foreign Affairs during Ireland's last EU Presidency. He did a good job. During that time, Ireland opened diplomatic relations with the junta in Burma. What is the present position in that regard? Does Ireland have diplomatic relations with Burma? If so, are they being used to bring to bear any impact in respect of what is happening there?

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