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

It is priority legislation and it is being drafted. I do not have an exact date but it will be available in this session.

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

What about the other legislation? I asked a question in relation to five other Bills.

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

They are all due this year.

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

Will it actually happen?

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

They are targeted for this year. We will have to wait and see what happens.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It one waits a long time for everything to happen it will eventually happen.

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

Brian, is that the way you are going to operate the legislative programme?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

If we are given the green light.

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

Is that his parody of the Government's failure to bring forward——

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We have to wait for the green light.

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

If the Minister for Finance is the army council of Fianna Fáil, for Heaven's sake, give us a straight answer.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Give us the green light.

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

Give us a straight answer.

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

Please allow Deputy Deenihan.

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

Maybe the Minister will wait until he is Taoiseach and allow the Taoiseach to give the answer when the question is put to him. He is competent enough to answer on the Minister's behalf without the Minister getting too animated over it.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the past six Government legislative programmes the Abbotstown sports campus development authority Bill was listed as No. 1 in section A. I asked about this in the last session and the Taoiseach said it would be published by the end of the session. Will it be published?

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

It is almost ready.

Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is almost ready. It is important in view of the fact it was announced and money was allocated to it before Christmas.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On that issue also——

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

The question has been answered. I call Deputy Michael D. Higgins.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ceann Comhairle——

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

I will call the Deputy later. We must have some order in the House.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Thank you brother. May I ask the Taoiseach when two instruments, the security measures for the protection of classified military information agreement and the acquisition and cross-servicing agreement, will be placed before the Dáil? Are there other agreements that will be brought before the Dáil? On the same day that I raised this issue on 12 January, the Minister for Foreign Affairs sent me copies of the two agreements referred to and has acknowledged that they should have been placed before the Dáil. One became effective on 27 February 2004——

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

The Deputy cannot debate them at this stage.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not seeking to debate them but I imagine that you, a Cheann Comhairle, would be anxious that the requirement under Article 29.1 of the Constitution——

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

Sorry, Deputy. I ask the Deputy——

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

——would be complied with and the agreements would be placed before the Dáil.

Deputies:

He does not look very anxious.

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

I understand the Minister has done a trawl to see if there are any other agreements and, if so, he will place them before the Dáil.

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

I call Deputy Gogarty.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This matter is not contentious——

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

I have called Deputy Gogarty, but he could not wait.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This matter is not contentious. The issue is that on 12 January the Minister informed me that the agreements were being put before the Dáil without delay.

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

The Deputy will have to find another way of raising the matter.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They have not been put before the Dáil. When will they be placed before the Dáil?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is a fair question.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is a reasonable question. When will they be placed before the Dáil?

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

My understanding is that they will be placed before the Dáil.

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

When, since it is a constitutional requirement?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Chomh luath agus is féidir.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

At the close of the last session the Taoiseach, in response to a question from me, indicated the energy (miscellaneous provisions) Bill would be brought before the House before the end of the last session. While he meant it and said it sincerely it never appeared. Why did it not come before the House? When will it come before the House? Along with that, another alarming detail is the fact that a number of Bills have disappeared altogether. For example, the natural gas Bill and the Bord Gáis Bill have disappeared. What was the reason for removing them from the agenda? Did something happen that we do not know about? Is there no gas over there and can it not be generated?

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

The legislation will come before the House this session.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach said that last session and it never appeared.

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

We cannot have a debate.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

What about the other Bills that have disappeared altogether?

Deputies:

They are under water.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can some light be shed on the other Bills that have disappeared? What happened? Where have they gone?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We are concerned that an obsession is developing on that side.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is no gas. If there was an obsession about them on the Government side it would help.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yesterday the Minister for Transport promised to legislate for the outsourcing of speed cameras and said he would do so this session. I cannot find it anywhere in the list of Bills to be taken this session. Given that there are no transport Bills on the list will the Taoiseach clarify the name of the Bill under which that provision will be implemented and when are we likely to see it?

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

I understand from the Minister, with whom I spoke today, that he hopes to bring forward the roads (miscellaneous provisions) Bill as soon as possible this session. There are some matters he has to finalise but he hopes to bring it forward this session. It is not on the list.

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A 24 year old girl, Fiona Gallagher, is in Mayo General Hospital in status epilepticus for the past six days.

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

Has the Deputy a question on legislation?

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Dr. Lavin, the consultant in Mayo General Hospital and Dr. Hennessy, the neurologist in Mayo General Hospital wish her to be in UCHD because she has already lost power due to lack of oxygen to her brain. She cannot be treated adequately in Mayo General Hospital. She has been waiting for the past six days.

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

Does the Deputy have a question on legislation? If not, I call Deputy Gilmore.

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is there anything in legislation to ensure the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste or somebody in the Government takes some responsibility for this girl who urgently needs this treatment which is not there for her?

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

I suggest the Deputy submit a question to the Tánaiste.

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is simple arithmetic. If one does not provide enough beds for emergencies people will not be guaranteed operations.

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

Sorry, Deputy Cowley——

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

She cannot have that treatment because there is no bed for her in the neurology unit in UCHD. It is a total disgrace. How can this go on? Can somebody take responsibility for this girl?

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

I ask Deputy Cowley to obey the Chair.

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am asking that somebody takes responsibility for Fiona Gallagher who is in Mayo General Hospital.

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

If the Deputy does not resume his seat we will move to the next business and his colleagues will not be called.

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am just asking that somebody takes responsibility or at least that somebody will look into the case.

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

Will the Deputy please resume his seat?

Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Taoiseach examine the situation of this poor girl in Mayo General Hospital?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I wish to raise the Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2005 which is listed as one of a number of Bills before select, special or joint committees. This Bill deals with unfinished housing estates and was referred to committee last March. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is blocking the committee from dealing with it. What is the Government's intention in regard to this Bill? Is it the Government's intention to block this Bill or will it facilitate it being dealt with by the committee?

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

I understand this is a Private Members' Bill which is in committee so I think it would need to be discussed with the Minister.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is a Bill which passed Second Stage of this House and was referred to the committee by order of this House, so it is a Bill of the House. What is the Government's position in regard to the Bill?

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

It is a matter for the committee.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Government allow the committee to deal with the Bill?

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

It is a matter for the committee. It does not arise on the Order of Business.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The committee has been endeavouring to set a date for Committee Stage. The problem is the Minister will not attend. The Minister is blocking it. Will the Government allow the Bill to proceed through committee or will it block it?

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

I will communicate the Deputy's point to the Minister.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Given the Taoiseach has spent the last week smothered in garlands pink and white I realise it is difficult to focus on more local issues. In regard to his response to Deputy Deenihan that the Abbotstown sports campus development authority Bill will shortly be brought forward, does that mean any of that land will not be let out to speculators as is strongly rumoured?

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

I suggest the Deputy submit a question to the appropriate Minister.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the land be let out to speculators or will it be for sports facilities only?

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

The Bill will come before the House shortly.

Joe Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When will the ground rents Bill be restored to the legislative programme? Will the Taoiseach give the up-to-date reasons for withholding the proposed legislation in respect of ground rents?

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

The Bill is not proceeding at present. The Supreme Court decision will have implications for it.

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

During the Christmas recess, the Taoiseach was reported as saying that he had received a new forensic report on the Stardust tragedy of 25 years ago. There were some media reports to that effect from the forensic science laboratory. Is that correct?

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

There is no legislation promised.