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

It is proposed to take No. 13, Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Bill 2005 [Seanad]— Order for Report, Report and Final Stages and No. 12, National Sports Campus Development Authority Bill 2006 — Second Stage, resumed. Private Members' business shall be No. 47, motion re political donations and planning, resumed.

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

There are no proposals to put to the House.

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

When is it proposed to publish the report on the safety of the Corrib gas field, which the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources has been considering for some time?

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

I was talking to the Minister earlier. He had meetings this morning on some ongoing issues. I will try to get a final date from him but he is trying to bring matters to a conclusion.

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

I wish to clarify the Taoiseach's remarks yesterday. Is he saying the criminal justice Bill will be put back to a Second Stage debate?

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On the same issue, the Taoiseach stated yesterday the Bill would be recommitted, which seems to be in error. I endorse Deputy Rabbitte's request for clarity on what is proposed by the Government because there is total confusion about how the Bill will be handled. The original Bill comprised 36 sections but 255 pages of amendments have been circulated.

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

I do not want repetition.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We want to deal with this legislation properly and effectively.

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

I will get full clarity from the Minister and I will give the information to the Whips for the meeting tonight. As I understand it, because of the extent of the amendments to the Bill, it will be recommitted so that we can have effectively a Second Stage debate. Members will be able to contribute on the totality of the Bill. That is my understanding but I will get absolute clarity.

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

The United Nations conference on environment and development has designated 22 March as world water day. Where stands the Water Services Bill 2003, which is awaiting Committee Stage? Does the Government intend to give priority to this matter? The east of the country will face severe water shortages

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

We cannot debate this matter.

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

Water shortages, which are expected by 2020, are being seriously examined by the rest of the world. Is priority being given by the Government to this matter?

I refer to European Commission documents on the Order Paper relating to genetically modified products. Does the Government intend to provide time for debate on these matters, given they are of major concern inside and outside the House?

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

The Water Services Bill 2003 is awaiting Committee Stage. I will raise with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when it is intended to take Committee Stage but the Bill was published more than two years ago and Second Stage has been taken.

It is a matter for the Whips to allocate time regarding the other issues.

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

It was reported earlier that Iarnród Éireann has lost the contract to transport Guinness in Ireland via rail after almost two centuries. As a result, 1.3 million additional kegs will be transported on our roads.

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

The Deputy should table a parliamentary question to the line Minister.

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

I have a question about promised legislation, namely, the rail transport Bill.

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

It will be taken later this year.

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

Will the Minister for Transport do anything to stop the erosion of rail freight in Ireland and allowing CIE to lose contracts deliberately?

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

We cannot discuss the contents of the legislation.

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

Yet again, I have a sheaf of parliamentary questions to the Minister for Health and Children, which have been referred to the HSE, and I do not know when I will receive a reply.

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The HSE will not reply to the Deputy.

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

Will the Taoiseach give us a copy of the speaking notes he had earlier on the accident and emergency department crisis?

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

That does not arise on the Order of Business. We cannot go back over Leader's Questions.

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

Is the Taoiseach willing to circulate that information to us, as it would be useful?

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

We cannot go back over Leader's Questions. We spent 45 minutes on them.

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

I have a question about legislation on information and when the Taoiseach replies, he might offer to give us a copy of his speaking notes.

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

I will not allow that question because that would bring us into a whole new area not covered by Standing Order 26.

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

The health information and equality authority Bill, under which Member's questions might be answered, must be put on a statutory footing. When is that likely to happen?

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

The heads of the health Bill have been approved and it will be ready later in the year. I do not have an exact month.

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

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has defended his defamation of Daily Ireland on the basis that he spoke as a Minister of Government. As Head of Government, does the Taoiseach stand over this comment or will he disassociate himself and his Government from that defamation?

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

That does not arise on the Order of Business.

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

When will the defamation Bill be published?

The Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children indicated legislation will be required regarding the insurance aspects of the redress scheme for the victims of Mr. Neary in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. When will such legislation be published? When does the Taoiseach expect that Judge Harding Clark's report and recommendations on the redress scheme will be employed?

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

The Tánaiste said she has asked the judge to conduct an examination. She will not make moves until the judge reports back. I cannot recall how long the judge said it would take but it is not a long period.

The defamation Bill will be published this session.

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

Does the Taoiseach disassociate himself-——

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

That cannot be raised on the Order of Business.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A number of months ago, I asked the Taoiseach if he would consider holding a Cabinet meeting in Wicklow to mark the 400th anniversary of the county. Will he confirm that he will do so in early June?

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

The Cabinet will meet in Wicklow on 7 June.

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

Would it be possible to lay before the House the Deloitte & Touche report on the ESB and give a copy to Opposition spokespersons on energy? Has it been possible to arrange a meeting between the Taoiseach and the Stardust victims committee?

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

It might be more appropriate to submit both questions as parliamentary questions.

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

The Taoiseach wants to reply.

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

On the second question, I will talk to the Deputy about it.

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

All parties have made substantial recommendations on Dáil reform and they are all agreed on the need for Ministers to reply in the Dáil on matters concerning statutory agencies under their remit. As we are all agreed on this, is it possible to change Standing Orders to facilitate it?

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

The Deputy should submit a question on that.

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

To whom should I submit it?

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 because the House legislated to give responsibility to the agencies.

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

All parties are agreed on it.