Dáil debates

Tuesday, 22 March 2005

4:00 pm

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It is proposed to take No. 7, motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the Convention on Social Security between the Government of Ireland and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; No. 8, motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the accession by Ireland to the Rotterdam Convention; No. 17, statements on the national development plan; and No. 18, Garda Síochána Bill 2004 [Seanad] — Second Stage (resumed).

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that Nos. 7 and 8 shall be decided without debate and the proceedings on No. 17 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply — the statements of a Minister or Minister of State and of the main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party, the Labour Party and the Technical Group, who shall be called upon in that order, shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case, the statement of each other Member called upon shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case, Members may share time and the Minister for Finance shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed five minutes. Private Members' business shall be No. 39, Fur Farming (Prohibition) Bill 2004 — Second Stage, and the proceedings on the Second Stage thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 23 March 2005.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are three proposals to put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 7 and 8 agreed to?

Photo of Dan BoyleDan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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It is not agreed. The Rotterdam Convention should be discussed by the House in full session. It relates to two Departments. It refers to dangerous and toxic chemicals that can or cannot be accepted by third countries and this has implications for this country's policy on the incineration of waste. A motion of this type should not be nodded through on the Order of Business to be sent to a committee and nodded through again on a subsequent Order of Business. On those grounds, we oppose the proposal and ask that there be a proper debate on this issue.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There would be a more in-depth and thorough discussion in the committee.

Question put and declared carried.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the proposal for dealing with No. 17 agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 39 agreed to? Agreed.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On behalf of the Government, it gives me great pleasure to welcome our two new Deputies to Dáil Éireann. Although I do not anticipate that either of them will be supporters of the Government, I wish them well. It is a great day for them and their families. In the case of Deputy McEntee, it is a great day for his party, Fine Gael. It is always refreshing to have another female Member of this House. We still have not got the critical mass that would lead to more objective decision making, but I congratulate——

Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste should give them some leadership.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I genuinely congratulate Deputy Murphy on her election in Kildare North. I hope she enjoys her time in Leinster House. We will not always be as civil to them as we are today. We should remember the two Deputies whose resignation from the House caused the by-elections. Former Deputy John Bruton is now the EU ambassador in Washington, while former Deputy Charlie McCreevy is the EU Commissioner for the Internal Market. They were both outstanding Members of this House over the years and will be a hard act to follow. We look forward to the engagement of the new Deputies with the Government and the Opposition during the remaining life of this Dáil and beyond.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Ba mhaith liom tacú leis an rún comhghairdeais atá ráite ag an Tánaiste as ucht togha Caitríona Ní Mhurchú don Teach agus togha Shane Mac an tSaoi don Teach mar bhall de pháirtí Fine Gael. I associate myself with the remarks made by the Tánaiste. I am a product of a by-election. I remember coming down the steps of the House to rapturous applause when the late Denis Jones was in the Chair.

The same words were said then that things would not be the same as they were on that day. It seems the same crowd was in the gallery, in the bar and outside. I welcome both Deputies to Dáil Éireann. They have been sent here by the people to represent them in their views without fear or favour. I did not have much interaction with Deputy Murphy in Kildare North, but she fought a great campaign and credit is due to her and her supporters.

I am particularly happy with the election of Deputy Shane McEntee to the Dáil to fill the seat vacated by former Deputy John Bruton. I compliment the people of Meath on making that decision. In 2002, the people of Meath gave 47% of the vote to Fianna Fáil and 25% to Fine Gael. I am very happy to see Deputy McEntee's parents and family in the gallery as well as his supporters. For them, this is a signal honour. It is a great honour for someone to be elected by secret ballot by their peers. I wish Deputy McEntee a long sojourn in this House championing the rights of the people of Meath.

I have cut out the statement made by the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dempsey, which I might produce again in due course. I know the Minister personally and I know he did not mean any personal vindictiveness by the comments he made in County Meath. This was a very intense, tribal conflict in the royal county and I am happy that for the first time since 1927, the supporters of the Fine Gael Party have something to crow about in the county.

I wish both Deputies every success in the Dáil. They may be more successful in getting answers to the representations they make than many of us have been in the past few years. I hope they enjoy the experience of being public representatives as it is an honour to represent the people. I wish them good fortune and health in the times ahead.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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On behalf of the Labour Party, I join the Tánaiste and Deputy Kenny in offering our congratulations to Deputies McEntee and Murphy. It is not the first time that I have had to stand on the sidelines and watch Meathmen whoop it up as I have suffered defeat before at the hands of Meathmen. In this case, I am very happy to congratulate Deputy McEntee and wish him a long stay in the House.

I know better than most how hard Catherine Murphy has laboured in the vineyard, as well as the effort and the number of times she has attempted to secure the prize that she won on by-election day. I am delighted for her and her family and I wish her well on her achievement.

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Thar ceann an Chomhaontais Glais, ba mhaith liomsa comhghairdeas a ghabháil leis an Teachta Murphy as toghchán a bhuachaint. Is mór an onóir é teacht anseo go Dáil Éireann do dhuine ar bith. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil sé tuilte go maith aici tar éis an méid oibre atá déanta aici thar na blianta fada. I extend my congratulations to Deputy Murphy, her family and her supporters in Kildare North, as well as to my party colleague, Councillor J. J. Power. In Meath, Deputy McEntee was a worthy winner in a hard fought contest. Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas a ghabháil leis siúd chomh maith. Tá mé cinnte go bhfuil Fine Gael an-bhródúil as an mbua sin. Tá a fhios agam gur Teachta Dála maith a bheidh ann amach anseo. I thank my colleague Fergal O'Byrne for the valiant campaign that he ran on behalf of the Green Party in Meath.

I thank all the candidates involved for raising the vital issues which are there for us all to grapple with. These issues have clearly shown how the Government is pursuing a very damaging and unsustainable course. It makes family life more difficult, makes workers more car dependent and makes Ireland more oil dependent in the face of rising energy costs. Apart from giving us two hard-working TDs, the by-elections will hopefully set a clear agenda which will be addressed before the Government gets an even bigger fright in the next general election. It is certainly cruising for a bruising at this stage. The people of Meath and Kildare North have spoken loud and clear.

5:00 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Ba mhaith liom ar son Sinn Féin comhghairdeas a ghabháil don bheirt Teachtaí nua. On behalf of the Sinn Féin Deputies, I congratulate Deputy Catherine Murphy and Deputy Shane McEntee on their achievement in their respective by-election contests. I agree, not often but certainly on this occasion, with Deputy Kenny that it is a signal honour to be returned from any constituency to represent your community and your people in this House. I wish both Deputies every success in the years ahead. I also wish my colleague, Councillor Joe Reilly, who performed magnificently in County Meath, every success in a future divided Meath contest. Many commentators and pundits would suggest that Joe has run his race, but time will prove otherwise. Beidh lá eile ag Ó Raghallaigh.

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Ar mo shon féin agus ar son Fianna Fáil, ba mhaith liom mo chomhghairdeas a chur in iúl do Catherine Murphy agus Shane McEntee as ucht a bheith tofa. I congratulate both Deputies on their election to the House. It is a very proud day for them and their families and supporters.

I am delighted Deputy Kenny did not take personally any of my remarks during the course of the campaign.

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Or seriously.

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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We never do.

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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He has been long enough in politics to be able to accept political remarks one way or the other. As Deputy Ó Caoláin said, beidh lá eile againn freisin. On a personal note, I congratulate Deputy McEntee whom I have known for a long time through the GAA. The Dempseys and McEntees crossed swords on the GAA field for many years.

Photo of Tom HayesTom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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The McEntees won.

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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From now on we will cross swords politically but I am sure both of us will be united in working together for County Meath. I acknowledge that Deputy McEntee's family were particularly kind to us at a time of tragedy in our family. Despite the fact that he is in a different political party, I share his joy in his being here with us.

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath, Fine Gael)
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I missed a few Irish lessons during the campaign, so I will make my contribution in English for today. It is an honour to welcome Deputy McEntee to the House. He was an excellent candidate, ran an excellent campaign and he will be an excellent Deputy. The McEntee family has been involved in politics for years and has served Meath in many different respects. It is through the family's hard work over a long time that Deputy McEntee has now become a Member of the House. That same hard work will keep him as a Deputy for a long time to come. His family and other supporters are here today but many are missing from the Public Gallery because they could not all fit in there. While the Fine Gael Party was behind him, Deputy McEntee's supporters, including his family and friends, did an excellent job also. Without their help, he would not have been elected. It is great that his family and friends are here. It was teamwork that got the job done. He is a proud Meath man who will do a great job.

The Tánaiste said the exchanges in the House will not always be as civil as they are today. Having watched the McEntees over the years, I can assure her that they also know how to be uncivil when the issue demands it. There will be serious times ahead. Politics is a serious business and there will be nothing shy about Deputy McEntee. I have often said he is a gentleman but he can be a hard man too. He is here to do a hard job well for the people of Meath. He will do an excellent job.

I wish Deputy Catherine Murphy the best of luck. While I did not follow her campaign as closely as the one in Meath, the fact that she is here today proves she is an outstanding person who will make an excellent Deputy.

I look forward to working with Deputy McEntee and Deputy Catherine Murphy in the coming years. Meath is a large county. We only had four Deputies for a while but we now have five. We actually need six Deputies to represent Meath because of its size. There is a great deal of work involved in representing the area in the Oireachtas, which represents a heavy burden for the sitting Deputies.

The candidates in both constituencies were excellent and the turnout was no reflection on them. All Members of the House have a serious job to do. Politics is a serious business and we must make people realise how important it is. We need to increase the turnout in elections for the sake of democracy. It behoves all of us — including you, a Cheann Comhairle, as the person in charge of the House — to make that happen. Dáil reform is part of that and we have much work to do in that regard. The two new Deputies will perform their duties excellently. We should do all we can to make it as easy as possible for them to represent their constituencies. I look forward to the months ahead.

Photo of Seán PowerSeán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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While acknowledging the contributions of former Deputies John Bruton and Charlie McCreevy, I congratulate the new Deputies, Shane McEntee and Catherine Murphy, on their success. It was only fitting that the candidate in Kildare North, with policies most similar to the outgoing Member, should have been elected.

Photo of Liam TwomeyLiam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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That is a bridge too far.

Photo of Seán PowerSeán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I worked on Kildare County Council with Deputy Catherine Murphy. Kildare has not had a finer councillor than her. If she is as successful in Leinster House as she was in Kildare County Council she will do a very good job for her constituents. I wish her well and look forward to working with her in the years ahead.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I join other speakers in welcoming Deputy Catherine Murphy from my own constituency, with whom I served on Kildare County Council for many years. I wish her the best in this House. I also wish my colleague from across the county boundary, Deputy McEntee, well. It is a great honour for someone to be elected but it is always that little bit more spectacular in a by-election. Their election will give each of the new Deputies first hand experience, at close quarters, of what happens in the Houses of the Oireachtas. As Members of the House who have been here for some time know, it is not always as easy as it appears from the outside. I wish Deputy Catherine Murphy every success and good fortune.

When the writs were moved for both by-elections, I welcomed the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, along with his cohort of colleagues, into both constituencies to examine at first hand all the flaws in the veneer.

Photo of Michael MulcahyMichael Mulcahy (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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What flaws?

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Flaws such as pot-holed roads, dilapidated and inadequate schools, and the high pupil-teacher ratios shocked them.

Photo of Michael MulcahyMichael Mulcahy (Dublin South Central, Fianna Fail)
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What about the new schools?

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy obviously did not recognise these flaws because he was not there.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please allow Deputy Durkan to continue without interruption. I suggest that Deputy Mulcahy should not provoke Deputy Durkan.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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They came, they saw but they did not conquer. It is no harm to remind the Government that those issues remain to be resolved. They have not gone away. There are serious issues facing people in constituencies adjacent to Dublin and throughout the country.

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy made sure he had his Fine Gael colleagues there to help him.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I am glad that my party leader did not take too seriously the musings of the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. We never do. The Minister can rest assured that in future we will take anything he says in kind.

Photo of Mary WallaceMary Wallace (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I join other speakers in congratulating both new Deputies but in particular Deputy McEntee from County Meath. My family and his have known each other for a long time. Deputy McEntee's father, Mr. Tony McEntee, welcomed me to the County Meath Committee of Agriculture many years ago when I was the first woman member of that committee and its youngest chairperson. He was very helpful to me at that time. Deputy McEntee will find support here among his fellow Deputies from County Meath. As the Meath team, we will work hard together to deliver for our constituents. I welcome him to the House. It is a great day for him and for his family and supporters generally. I congratulate him and wish him every happiness.

I also congratulate Deputy Catherine Murphy whom I have also known for a long time. It is good to see another woman joining the few females in Leinster House. I welcome her and wish her success in representing Kildare North.

As other Deputies from Meath have pointed out, it is an important day for us to be joined by a new colleague. I wish him every success.

Photo of Johnny BradyJohnny Brady (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to be associated with the remarks of previous speakers in welcoming the two new Deputies and wishing them well. I have known Deputy McEntee for more than 30 years when I started to ramble around Nobber for reasons other than political ones. I got to know him then and we have been good friends since. I also know his father, Mr. Tony McEntee, very well. He represented the Irish Farmers' Association in County Meath for many years and I always had a great relationship with him when attending IFA meetings. This is a great day for Deputy McEntee's parents and the rest of his family.

Deputy McEntee has a difficult task ahead of him in filling the shoes of John Bruton who served County Meath for almost 36 years. It will not be easy but, given his determination both on and off the football field, I know he is capable of doing so. I wish him, his family and friends well. He has many relations in my part of the county and it is a great day for them also.

Deputies:

I thank Members for their generous welcome. I extend thanks and a welcome to those who accompanied me to the Dáil today — my family, friends and, most particularly, my campaign group, who provided an involuntary fitness programme for the past month or so. They have not just supported me in the past weeks but over a number of years and I pay tribute to them. I also thank those who voted for me. In a democracy, one's vote is one's most important possession. We need to consider the turnouts to understand why they were so low in both constituencies.

Deputies:

I have always had an interest in history and it has not escaped my notice that I am making history today in that neither a woman nor an Independent has been elected from Kildare to the Dáil before. These are two important historical notes.

Deputies:

I am filling the vacancy left by Charlie McCreevy. While I differ from Mr. McCreevy in many respects, we have one thing in common, namely, we have always had an independent streak. One could not say anything other of Mr. McCreevy. The independent streak is, of course, on the other side of the House on this occasion.

Deputies:

I am told that the literal meaning of the phrase Teachta Dála is "messenger to the Dáil". I told the people I canvassed in the past month that there would be no confusion about their message if they sent an Independent Deputy to the Dáil and that what would come centre-stage would be the issues of concern to the people of Kildare North. Today, I want to commence my delivery of that message.

Deputies:

In a nutshell, we cannot just keep building houses without providing facilities and services, which is a message Members have been made aware of in the past month or so. My message is about planning the delivery of facilities and services that allow strong healthy communities to emerge, adequate school places with reasonable pupil-teacher ratios, a comprehensive public transport choice, facilities such as parks, playgrounds and community centres and affordable child care — there are many issues. I am not just handing out a shopping list but focusing on the tools required to build a society. My message is not negative but very positive; it is what I am for, not what I am against.

Deputies:

I have a great advantage in coming to the House in that most Deputies and Senators, including Ministers and even the Tánaiste and Taoiseach, visited north Kildare in the past month and heard many of the issues firsthand. I met many Members in housing estates, at church gates and at supermarket doors. Those I canvassed for votes were not shy in telling me what they believed the issues were. It would be helpful if there was an open door to push — I hope this will be the case — in trying to resolve many issues because Members are fully briefed on the issues about which people expressed concern. My 17 years as a public representative at local level taught me to interpret legislation from the delivery end. That experience will help me to more fully contribute to the shaping of legislation.

Deputies:

I thank the Independent Members who formally backed my campaign and were enormously helpful to me during that campaign and since I was elected. I look forward to working with them and others in the Technical Group in the coming years. I am delighted to have been returned to the Dáil to serve the people of Kildare North. I hope it will be the beginning of many years of such service.

Photo of Shane McEnteeShane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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It is a fantastic honour to represent the people of Meath. I thank my party leader, Deputy Kenny, for giving me this chance. I thank Deputy Hayes for running a fantastic campaign in Meath and the rest of our Deputies for their help with the campaign. I thank my supporters and all my party members in Meath. I thank my colleagues from County Meath for their kind words. It is my intention to work with everybody for the people of Meath and Ireland.

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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On the Order of Business-——

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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On the Order of Business, I call Deputy Kenny.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I wished to ask about the Order of Business but Deputy Joe Higgins was quick off the mark, like all good Kerry men.

With regard to the tribunal of inquiry (amendment) Bill, will the Tánaiste provide up-to-date information on the Dunne inquiry? If it is the Government's intention to wind up that inquiry, will the information and evidence given to the chairperson be retained by her in her legal ownership and perhaps be difficult to dislodge? There is concern on this and the Tánaiste might like to clear the matter up.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The inquiry has been given until 31 March to complete its work. I have been assured that I will have a report on that date. Clearly, if further work is required, I hope the information made available to the tribunal of inquiry could be made available to some other forum. That would be the intention, if necessary.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Does the Tánaiste intend to exercise restraint on her colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, with regard to the practice of snatching schoolchildren from classrooms and deporting them without a shred of human compassion or decency?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Has the Deputy a question appropriate to the Order of Business?

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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It is a matter that is scandalising our country.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The matter has already been raised in the House and six Members have it on the Adjournment for tonight. To be fair to them——

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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If the Ceann Comhairle were to rule out a matter on the basis that it has already been raised in the House, we would have no agenda at all. I will not labour the point. Will the Tánaiste state that there will in future be some element of compassion demonstrated in a matter that is at the discretion of the Minister?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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That does not arise at this stage. There are other ways the Deputy can raise the matter. We can not go all over the place on the Order of Business. I call Deputy Sargent.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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A Cheann Comhairle, you should at least permit the Tánaiste to state——

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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To be fair to the Deputies who submitted the matter on the Adjournment, it would not be appropriate for the Chair to allow it as it would be outside standing orders. I call Deputy Sargent.

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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The Tánaiste might like an opportunity to speak but I have promised legislation to raise. It relates to a future cost on the taxpayer and to the building control Bill promised since 2003. As the Tánaiste may know, every tonne of cement produced creates approximately one tonne of CO emissions. The Bill was promised in 2003. It is now down for late 2005. Is there any urgency in Government in regard to introducing the building control Bill so EU directives on the energy performance of buildings can be given effect?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Tánaiste should answer on the building control Bill.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It will be dealt with at the end of this year.

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Given that we enacted the Companies (Audit and Accounting) Bill almost one and a half years ago, will the Tánaiste state when the Act will be in operation? Second, despite the expectation that an EU directive will be transposed tomorrow, the information and consultation of employees Bill is not published yet. Why does it take so long to publish such Bills given the deadlines for EU directives to be transposed?

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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On the Companies (Audit and Accounting) Act, many of the provisions must be done by way of regulations. I understand the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is currently considering the matter. The information and consultation of employees Bill will be taken in the middle of this year.

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The EU directive will be transposed tomorrow.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I know. Unfortunately, we are not always on time.

Photo of Phil HoganPhil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Will we take another opportunity to breach EU directives?

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Two weeks ago, the House passed Second Stage of the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005, the purpose of which is to address the problem of unfinished housing estates. The House agreed to refer the Bill to the Select Committee on the Environment and Local Government. Will the Tánaiste assure the House that the Government will co-operate with and facilitate an early examination of that Bill by the select committee?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a matter for the select committee.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Is that a ruling? The last time I was involved with a Bill before the committee, the Government insisted on telling it what to do.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The committee decides how it carries out its business. It is not a matter for this House.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am glad to be reassured of that and I hope it means the Government will not try again to direct the business of the committee.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Regarding legislation to be introduced by the Department of Finance which seeks to update the legislative basis of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, namely the Revenue Bill, no date has been posited so far in the programme of legislation for this year. Will the Tánaiste clarify if a date has now been determined for the publication of this Bill and will she clarify to the House, with regard to updating the legislative basis of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners, if there is any question as to its current legislative basis?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The last part of the question does not arise.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It is not possible to say at this stage when the Bill is to be published. Its point is simply to modernise the legislation concerning the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.

Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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The House will be aware that the Secret Service Vote is not accounted for in the normal way pertaining to all other Votes. Vote No. 12 on the Order Paper today provides for an estimate of €786,000 for the Secret Service Vote. I watched "The Late Late Show" last Saturday where allegations were made about the abuse of this fund. Will the Tánaiste consider referring this matter to the relevant committee or bringing it before the House, updating the guidelines to ensure that full transparency applies to the use of this fund because those allegations should not be allowed stand?

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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An advertisement used to say "It happened on the Late Late Show" or words to that effect. I did not see the show but I will bring the Deputy's concern to the relevant Minister.

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Will the Tánaiste say if it is proposed to bring in the electricity Bill to convert the ESB into a plc under the Companies Act, and also, when the third level student supports Bill will be introduced? In my county, students at the end of their first session have not yet been paid their grants.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The electricity Bill will be brought in next year. I do not know if legislation is promised regarding the third level sector.

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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It is referred to in No. 43.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am sorry but it is not possible to say when the legislation will be introduced.

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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When will the investment funds and miscellaneous company law provisions Bill be brought forward? Will it be amended to restrain the naked corporate greed of Bank of Ireland, which wants to sack 2,000 workers?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The content of the Bill cannot be discussed.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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That legislation was cleared by the Cabinet this morning.

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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What of the sacking of 2,000 workers by Bank of Ireland, which made €1.3 billion profit last year? Has the Tánaiste anything to say on that?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Durkan has been called.

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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This is a matter which has rocked——

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy knows there are ways of raising it in the House, of which he can avail.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Since the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has returned from his endeavours in the constituency, would it now be opportune to inquire about progress on the electronic communications Bill which has been promised for a considerable time? Many things were promised over the past couple of weeks and now might be a good time to deliver on some of them.

The energy Bill is also pertinent and has been awaited for some time. It could well do with an energetic boost from the Minister if it were available.

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister is always available. Was Deputy Durkan in the House for questions on the Thursday before the by-election? I do not think he was.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The Minister should not have bothered being in the House.

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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It was not because of the efforts of the Deputy in trying to get his colleague elected.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I request the Minister and Deputy Durkan to restrain themselves and allow the Tánaiste to answer Deputy Durkan's quite legitimate question.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Tánaiste is a woman of few words these days.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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There is a reason for that. The electronic communications Bill will be published later this year, as will the energy Bill.

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Has the Government had time to consider the fact that as the Revenue Commissioners announced today, the former Deputy Dennis Foley has paid them €580,000? On the record of this House, Deputy Foley said at the time that he hoped against hope that his account was not an Ansbacher one. It now seems to have been a very large Ansbacher account.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Has the Deputy a question appropriate to the Order of Business?

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Yes. Regarding the proposed legislation relating to the Revenue Commissioners, what provision will be made to correct the records of the House with regard to former Deputy Foley's tax evasion?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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That does not arise.

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Will the Tánaiste outline the position with regard to the immigration and residents Bill, No. 72 on the legislative programme? Does she accept it should be brought before the House urgently in light of the recent Pontius Pilate-like actions of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform?

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Rambo.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not appropriate to discuss what might be in the Bill.

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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It is obvious what will be in the Bill, with the Minister carrying on as he is.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The legislation will arrive later this year.

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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The Tánaiste has a lot on her mind with regard to health, but could she indicate when the heads of the medical practitioners Bill will be published?

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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We hope to circulate them to Deputies soon after Easter.

Photo of Dan BoyleDan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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When will legislation related to employment permits come before the House? There is uncertainty regarding work permits coming to an end and those which have run out.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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After Easter.

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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It must be three years since the Mental Health Act was passed and we still have no mental health tribunals established under that Act. When does the Tánaiste intend to bring forward, under secondary legislation, the necessary orders to have mental health tribunals? It is one of the rights of people in State care to have grievances heard and such a long wait in implementation is intolerable.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I fully agree with the Deputy. Part of the problem arose from the Irish hospital consultants dispute. I recently met the Mental Health Commission regarding this matter and we hope to bring forward the necessary orders very shortly. We need approximately 50 to 60 psychiatrists available for the panels to look at the 600 or so involuntary detentions. Now that the dispute is over we intend to establish the panels quickly.

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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In her time in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Tánaiste announced a review of the Groceries Order. Will she say if it is proposed to bring in amending secondary legislation on that matter or is that review concluded?

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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We established a group to look at consumer issues, chaired by Anne Fitzgerald. I understand the group has given a report to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I hope the Tánaiste has read it.

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I have not seen the report. If my memory is correct, the Groceries Order can be amended only by primary legislation and not by secondary legislation.

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is such legislation promised?

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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No.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Tánaiste lost that one herself.

Photo of Tom HayesTom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Will the Tánaiste say if there is any proposal to amend the law with regard to the publishing of opinion polls before election days?

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Proposals were advanced a couple of years ago by my colleague, the then Minister, Deputy Molloy, which had much support initially. Unfortunately, as the days moved on the support waned and the proposal that an opinion poll could not be carried out within a certain number of days from polling day failed. The initial support for the proposal evaporated and it was subsequently withdrawn.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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That was because of inaccurate opinion polls.

Photo of Beverley FlynnBeverley Flynn (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Because of the extraordinary length of the Order of Business today, will the Tánaiste say if it would be possible by agreement to extend by 15 or 20 minutes the time for statements on the national development plan which were due to follow?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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That matter has already been dealt with by the House and the House made a decision on it.

Photo of Beverley FlynnBeverley Flynn (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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If the Tánaiste——

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy may not raise the matter. It was already raised by means of a proposal to the House. Members had an opportunity to speak on it at that stage.

Photo of Beverley FlynnBeverley Flynn (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I am not happy with the length of time being allocated to the debate.