Dáil debates

Tuesday, 4 April 2006

4:00 pm

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is proposed to take No. 9, Revised Estimate for Public Services 2006 — Vote 41, back from committee; No. 10, motion re withdrawal of Whistleblowers Protection Bill 1999; and No. 12, Road Safety Authority Bill 2004 — Order for Report, Report and Final Stages.

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 9 shall be decided without debate and any division demanded thereon shall be taken forthwith; the proceedings on No. 10 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 65 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: the speeches shall be confined to a Minister or Minister of State and to the main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party, the Labour Party and the Technical Group, who shall be called upon in that order and who may share their time, and speeches shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case; and a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed five minutes. Private Members' Business shall be No. 28, Residential Tenancies (Amendment) Bill 2006 — Second Stage, the proceedings on which shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 8.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 5 April 2006.

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 No. 9, Revised Estimate for Public Services 2006, without debate, agreed?

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This is Vote 41- Office of the Minister for Children — and is for a sum of €352.2 million. Was there a vote at the committee? Why is it back in the House?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is the provision of the Estimate for the office of the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, who is now taking the combined duties relating to children.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Thank you.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The first proposal is agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 10, motion re withdrawal of Whistleblowers Protection Bill 1999, agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Private Members' business agreed? Agreed.

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I was taken aback this morning when I heard the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, speak about the Garda Representative Association using intemperate language. I was going to ask the Taoiseach whether he agreed with him, in view of his recent outburst——

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

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I know that.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It is a serious issue.

5:00 pm

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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When does the Minister for Health and Children expect to introduce the regulations to which she referred in respect of embryonic stem cell research in view of activities reported in Cork? She indicated she would introduce regulations for the sector very shortly.

When can the House expect the carbon fund Bill, No. 47 on the list of proposed legislation? I understand the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Noel Dempsey, is in the southern hemisphere on family-related business. Does the Taoiseach have news in respect of the publication of the safety report on the Corrib field?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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As I have not discussed the matter with the Minister, I do not have a date on the publication of the report but I will raise the issue with him as soon as he returns. I have no information on regulations in the sector the Deputy mentioned. I will check with the Tánaiste's office. On the carbon fund Bill to provide for the purchase of carbon credits by the State and to meet our greenhouse gas emissions limitation target for the purpose of the Kyoto Protocol, the legislation is being drafted and will be ready later this year.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The last time the Taoiseach was asked about the Barr report on the Abbeylara affair he indicated it might be taken by Government by the end of March. What is the current position? Can the report be laid before the House if the House is in recess when the Minister takes it?

Another ghoulish drugs murder took place just outside Clonmel at the weekend. I am informed by my colleague, Councillor Phil Prendergast, that there are only three gardaí dedicated to the drugs unit in the whole of County Tipperary. Is that the case?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The matter does not arise on the Order of Business.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Is legislation contemplated specifically to deal with the drugs menace? The security van robberies upon us again are part of the same circle. The money is poured into purchasing guns, drugs are imported and drugs gangs end up carrying out the kind of murder which occurred at the weekend.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot have a debate on the Order of Business. Is legislation promised?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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No legislation is promised but Operation Anvil has a dedicated unit and operates nationwide. I have not heard anything new regarding the Barr report but I will check the position and inform the Deputy's office.

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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I extend my sympathies to the family of the young County Offaly student killed in a tragic accident today and wish those injured a speedy recovery. Many people, including parents, teachers and students, will have been traumatised by the event.

On the Forfás report issued today, given that Ireland's oil dependency, the subject of the report, and the doubling of oil consumption here in the past 15 years are vital issues, will the Government arrange for a debate on the report?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is only appropriate to ask questions on promised debates.

Photo of Trevor SargentTrevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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I believe the Government would be in favour of debating the issue to ensure the carbon fund alluded to by Deputy Kenny does not cost more than necessary. I ask that the Whips discuss arrangements for such a debate.

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

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Deputy Sargent is right about the importance of the Forfás report. We have also received an Ernst & Young report on the Government's failure in the area of renewable technology.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot have a debate on the matter.

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Today, the European Commission announced it has taken action against Ireland on the issue of energy.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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As Deputy Sargent correctly pointed out, this issue is a matter for the Whips.

Photo of Tommy BroughanTommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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On the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which I understand has been scheduled to be taken in the House on Thursday. with two other energy Bills on the legislative programme, is it not time to draw up a comprehensive energy Bill and hold a proper debate on energy, perhaps after Easter?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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In reply to Deputy Sargent, the question of holding a debate can be discussed among the Whips. The Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will be before the House this week and a comprehensive Green Paper will be published later this year.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Will the Taoiseach advise the House as to the reason debate on Second Stage of the Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill 2006, which opened last week, will not resume this week?

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

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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A number of speakers have not had an opportunity to contribute on this important legislation. Why is it not being taken this week in order that we can progress its passage through the House as all Members and parties would wish? People have waited a long time for repayments to issue.

We learned this week that, far from taking international drugs companies to court for providing infected products for haemophiliacs, the Department of Health and Children is further engaging with one such company with regard to the influenza vaccine.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should submit a question to the Minister for Health and Children.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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When will the Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal (Amendment) Bill be taken? Can it be expedited to ensure it is taken before the summer?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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It will be taken this session.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Will it be taken before the summer?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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It will be taken this session.

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Arising from large-scale robberies of cash-in-transit in the past two weeks, why are we still relying on the meaningless voluntary code agreed——

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The matter does not arise on the Order of Business.

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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It is partly related to legislation. The voluntary code was agreed between the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, the banks and the security industry. The Private Security Services Act, which provides for the introduction of a statutory code, was passed a year and a half ago but no statutory code is in place. We hear the Minister on the airwaves blaming the security industry and banks and stating that the voluntary code is not working. The statutory code should have been in place by now.

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister has made clear that the arrangement he made a year ago has not been fully complied with and he is moving towards taking a different approach to the issue.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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On a point of order, the Taoiseach did not reply to my question on the Health (Repayment Scheme) Bill.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is not a point of order.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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When will Second Stage of the Bill resume?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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That is a matter for the Whips.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Does the Government intend to withdraw the Water Services Bill 2003, which has been with the select committee for more than a year with no progress made?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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I understand amendments are being drafted in the Department and it hopes to come back with them later in the year. I have already raised the matter with the Department.

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Will legislation be introduced to address Bus Éireann's practice of contracting taxi drivers to drive children with disabilities to school given that taxi drivers are not subject to vetting under current legislation?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The matter does not arise on the Order of Business?

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It arises with regard to the register of persons who are considered unsafe to work with children. The children in question have no protection and parents are concerned.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Deputy resumes her seat, I will call Deputy Howlin. If not, I will move on to the next item of business.

Photo of Joan BurtonJoan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The question relates to No. 40 on the list of proposed legislation.

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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No date has been set for taking the Bill in question.

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Last Thursday on the Order of Business I asked the Minister for Finance who was standing in for the Taoiseach whether Government policy had changed on the subsidy to Irish Ferries to dislodge workers. The Minister could not give me an answer, indicating that the reason was that the Taoiseach had responsibility to the Dáil for that matter. Has Government policy changed?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I suggest the Deputy submit a question to the Taoiseach as it is not appropriate on the Order of Business.

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I have done so already and the question was transferred to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Chair has no control over that matter.

Photo of Brendan HowlinBrendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Taoiseach previously gave assurances to the House that the move to subsidise the dislodging of Irish workers would be resisted by the Government. Does that remain Government policy?

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The matter does not arise on the Order of Business. We must move on to the other business before the House.

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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When will the human tissues Bill be published?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Bill is not listed on the legislative programme.

Photo of Seymour CrawfordSeymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Last December, a guarantee was given in the House that the report into the death of Mr. Patrick Walsh at Monaghan General Hospital would be dealt with in eight weeks, yet it has still not been addressed.

Photo of Rory O'HanlonRory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The matter does not arise on the Order of Business.

Photo of Seymour CrawfordSeymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Will it be eight months instead of eight weeks?

Photo of Dan NevilleDan Neville (Limerick West, Fine Gael)
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In February the Taoiseach promised that the building societies amendment Bill, to amend the Building Societies Act 1989, would be introduced before Easter. What is the up-to-date position with the Bill?

Photo of Bertie AhernBertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is listed for this session. The heads of the Bill have been approved and the legislation was sent for drafting some time ago. We are waiting for it but it is still listed for before the summer.