Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise a number of issues. First, I understand that in recent days the Tánaiste met with community groups in Dublin Central, as did the leader of the Fianna Fáil Party, Deputy Micheál Martin. One of the issues that has arisen concerns the mini-CAB that has been piloted in some places. In view of the escalating situation and the fear on the streets, does the Tánaiste plan to bring forward a mini-CAB and empower the Garda Síochána with more resources to try to tackle the serious issues on the streets there? Will a task force be established to deal with prescription and other drugs which are freely available? Is there an urgency within all Departments to tackle the escalating crisis in that regard?

Second, there was a general discussion at the Whips' meeting yesterday but from reports we have received from the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party meeting last night, it seems to have been confirmed to that meeting that the House will rise on 7 July this year. Is that set in stone and has it been confirmed? How can that be justified with the amount of work required and the amount of business that needs to go before the Dáil concerning a whole variety of urgent areas that I could mention?

Third, one of the recommendations of the O’Higgins commission was to transpose an EU directive that deals specifically with the rights of victims of crime. Can the Tánaiste confirm when the criminal justice (victims of crime) Bill will come before the House?

Fourth, the programme for Government contained proposals for the dairy forum. In light of the crisis in the agriculture industry, when will the dairy forum meet next?

See this speech in context