Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Order of Business today shall be No. 14, motion re appointment of An Coimisinéir Teanga; No. 18, Civil Registration Bill 2003 — Order for Report and Report and Final Stages; and No. 1, Maternity Protection (Amendment) Bill 2003 [Seanad] — Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and business shall be interrupted not later than 9.30 p.m.; No. 14 shall be decided without debate; the Report and Final Stages of No. 18 shall be taken today and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 8 p.m. by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs; and Private Members' business, No. 38, motion re Order of Business and Leaders' Questions (Standing Orders 26 and 26A), shall be taken at 8 p.m.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are four proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal for the late sitting agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 14, motion re appointment of an Coimisinéir Teanga, without debate agreed?

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

With regard to an Coimisinéir Teanga, is this a Civil Service Commission or a ministerial appointment?

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The commissioner is appointed by the Government.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I cannot agree to this being taken without statements on the matter. This is similar to the appointment of the Ombudsman in which case there was an opportunity to mark the appointment and to give some political response — a welcome in the case of the Green Party. This appointment is being overlooked and in that sense undervalued, and it is important we redress that perception. Perhaps it would be an opportunity to address stádas na Gaeilge mar theanga oifigiúil san Aontas Eorpach agus an fáth nach bhfuil sé á lorg ag an Rialtas. Is post an-tábhachtach post an Choimisinéara Teanga agus tá sé á lorg le blianta fada anuas. Bhí an Teach á lorg agus níl a fhios againn conas a éireoidh leis. Ag an am céanna, is fiú an cheist a phlé. Is post é a bheidh costasach, mar a mbíonn gach post, ach beidh sé fiúntach. Níl an post á phlé agus is trua sin.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas agus dea-ghuí a ghabháil leis an gCoimisinéir Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, as an bpost nua seo a líonadh. Is post mór é and it is a very welcome development that the proposal to make this appointment is before the House. I have just expressed congratulations and good wishes to Seán Ó Cuirreáin on his appointment as an Coimisinéir Teanga. It is an important appointment and, in the context of the stádas debate taking place within the Houses, there is importance attached to the proposition of Deputy Sargent that we should have the opportunity to address the appointment and the work of the commission in the course of Dáil debate. I support his proposal but do so in the context of congratulations and good wishes to the appointee.

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

While I am not against the point, we need to take the motion today. However, we have already agreed to hold a special debate in Irish during seachtain na Gaeilge in a few weeks, at which this can be discussed. It might be best to debate it at that stage.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is that agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 18, conclusion of Report and Final Stages of the Civil Registration Bill 2003, agreed?

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That there is a guillotine on this Bill is unacceptable. The time allowed for the Bill was extended by agreement of the Whips but that time has now been eroded because of today's special debate. I ask that the additional time planned for this debate be made available. Many Members are interested in this Bill.

Dan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There was ten hours of debate on Committee Stage of this Bill and the Minister said she would examine many matters when the debate recommenced in the House. We have examined the Bill in close detail on Committee Stage and to complete it in just one hour would be impossible and would not do the Bill any justice.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I support the position articulated by the previous two speakers. This is an important matter. While I am opposed to the imposition of guillotines in principle and do not believe it should be acceptable to the House, to do so in an important debate and curtail people's opportunity to contribute on the Report and Final Stages of this Bill, when many amendments are to be addressed, is not acceptable. I oppose this guillotine.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We could take it tomorrow.

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As Deputy Neville pointed out, there was a long debate on the Bill on Committee Stage. The Bill is due in the Seanad on Thursday and, given that the Minister is accepting a number of the amendments put forward on Committee Stage, we need to conclude it this evening.

Bernard Allen (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We need an extra hour.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is the proposal for dealing with Private Members' business agreed? Agreed. On the Order of Business, I call Deputy Richard Bruton.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Tomorrow, we are due to begin Second Stage of the Finance Bill. The Minister for Finance has an important report regarding tax breaks for persons with disabilities using cars but has failed to publish it. The report is very germane to the debate on the Finance Bill and I ask you, a Cheann Comhairle, or the Taoiseach to make arrangements for it to be made available to us.

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not aware of the report but will bring the matter to the attention of the Department.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In accordance with Standing Orders, have you, a Cheann Comhairle, had application from any Member of the House to make a personal statement during this sitting?

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I received an application and I intend to grant permission to make a statement.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

At what time?

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As soon as we get through the Order of Business.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the context of previous comments, I am reminded of the vast profits being made by certain land speculators. I wonder whether the land Bill, which is down for this session, will be brought forward to offer an opportunity to debate these issues further.

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It will be introduced this session.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the context of everything we have been speaking about this afternoon, it is appropriate to ask about the intended publication of the investment intermediaries (amendment) Bill. Can the Taoiseach tell us when that legislation will be brought before the House?

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Bill is being drafted. It should be ready this year.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Government rush it forward?

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We read regularly in the newspapers that the ban on smoking in the workplace is about to commence any day. Will the Taoiseach clarify whether it is to be introduced prior to the taking of the Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2003 which is before the House, and whether he thinks it wise to do this as the House has only completed Second Stage?

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand the ban is not dependent on the Bill but will come in after that.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Would it be possible to allow time tomorrow for the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to come to the House to explain the loss of €330,000 in regard to the Kenmare river in County Kerry?

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That does not arise on the Order of Business.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The question of time arises. We tried to raise the issue at the committee.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Sorry, Deputy, the issue does not arise on the Order of Business.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are allegations that the Taoiseach made strong representations for this project, which had to be removed because planning permission had not been given.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It does not arise on the Order of Business. Legislation may be before the House tomorrow.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will he allow the Minister to deal with the issue tomorrow?

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It does not arise on the Order of Business today.

Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is the Taoiseach in a position to give a date for publication of the disabilities Bill?

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I cannot give an exact date. There has been another meeting between the officials and the disabilities legislation group. There will be another Cabinet sub-committee meeting on the issue in the next few days, after which the officials will report back, and we will see what progress was made.

Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In light of the earlier debate, will the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to bring forward publication of the defamation Bill?

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The report of the advisory group on defamation was published on 20 June and the public consultation process ended a number of days ago. The Minister will bring forward legislation later this year.

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We now know that certain health boards have been hoarding millions of euro while cutting back on essential services in their communities. Will the Taoiseach consider withdrawing the Health (Amendment) Bill, which is designed to get rid of democratic and professional accountability by health boards, in view of the fact that health boards have been getting away with holding on to money that should be used for the development of community and hospital services?

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When is it proposed to take the Health (Amendment) Bill?

Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This session.