Dáil debates
Thursday, 22 June 2006
Order of Business.
10:30 am
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It is proposed to take No. 19, Health (Nursing Homes)(Amendment) Bill 2006 — Second Stage, resumed; and No. 2, National Oil Reserves Agency Bill 2006 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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In light of the report of the Committee of Public Account which showed that half the speed camera photographs taken were useless, with 20,000 drivers denying they were driving at the time and only 56% of notices issued resulting in payment being made by the end of 2003, does the Tánaiste agree with the view of the former Taoiseach, the late Charles Haughey, that this is the worst Government in the history of the State——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It does not arise on the Order of Business.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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——because it cannot seem to get anything right?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Has Deputy Kenny a question appropriate to the Order of Business?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Three weeks ago we saw the Government in chaos, when the Taoiseach abandoned the country to go to America, Ministers could not get their stories straight and there was nobody in charge——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Has Deputy Kenny a question appropriate to the Order of Business?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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——and today we have some evidence of that in the newspapers. Does the Tánaiste agree that on mid-summer's day, there is trouble in paradise? When can we expect the publication of the Harris report into the status of spoken Irish in primary schools?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will allow the third question.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste wants to answer the other two as well.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I would prefer if we did not have a debate on issues that are not appropriate to the Order of Business.
Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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I am sure the Tánaiste would too.
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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No legislation is planned on the second matter Deputy Kenny raised, to the best of my knowledge.
Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Is the Tánaiste sure?
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Is it a serious challenge?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Unlike Fine Gael, we do not adopt a change of leadership strategy before elections.
Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Is the Tánaiste denying the meeting took place?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I do not have a specific publication date for the Harris report and I will come back to Deputy Kenny on the matter.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I shared a constituency with the Tánaiste for many years.
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Rabbitte would not like to lose her.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I want to explain that I do not switch sides and I express solidarity with her.
Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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She has Deputy Rabbitte's vote.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Returning to the Order of Business, is that what Deputy Rabbitte was going to say?
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Is it a serious challenge?
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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May I come back to the question raised, given the importance of the issue of road safety? What exactly is the Government's explanation for installing cameras, half of which are described as defective?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It does not arise at this stage. If Deputy Rabbitte wishes to raise the matter, there are many opportunities when he may do so today, or on Leaders' Questions next week if he so wishes. It is not appropriate to the Order of Business.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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That is true, but the question of road safety is important. As the late Mr. Haughey said, nothing this Government does seems to work.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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If Deputy Rabbitte has a question appropriate to the Order of Business, we will hear it. Otherwise we can move on to Deputy Gormley.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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There are electronic voting machines that do not work and a computer system in the health services that does not work. Are the cars travelling too fast for them to be photographed? What exactly is the problem?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Rabbitte is out of order.
Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Perhaps they did not take the lens cap off the camera.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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If Deputy Rabbitte has a question appropriate to the Order of Business, we will hear it. If not, we will call Deputy Gormley.
Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Rabbitte is not working either.
Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Is there film in the camera?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The issue cannot be debated now. If the Deputy wishes to raise it later, the Chair will facilitate him. I call Deputy Gormley.
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Let us have a photo call.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I wish to raise another issue. The Taoiseach undertook to come back to me on the printing and publication of the Barr report on the shooting of John Carty. Has progress been made on that? Will it be published and will an opportunity be provided to debate the report in the House before it rises for the summer recess?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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It will not be published before the Dáil goes into the recess. The intention is to publish it during July and to have a debate in the House as soon as possible.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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This shooting happened in 2000 and Mr. Justice Barr concluded his inquiry in 2004.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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We debated this yesterday and the Deputy is being repetitive.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Members are complaining about not getting on with the business of the House, but if we repeat the same issues——
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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This is the business of the House.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It was discussed yesterday.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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A citizen was killed in an incident about which we know well.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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But it is not appropriate to debate it on the Order of Business.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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How is it that reports will be churned out after the House goes into recess?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is out of order.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The same is happening with the Dalton report. Every journalist in the country has a version of the Dalton report but it has still has not been made available to Members of this House weeks later.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot debate these issues. I ask the Deputy to resume his seat and to allow Deputy Gormley who has been called to proceed.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Chair is very unfairly trying to clamp down on pertinent questions about road safety, the publication of reports and so on.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is correct. The Chair is clamping down on Members abusing the Order of Business. Members complain morning after morning that we are not doing the business we are supposed to do.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I greatly resent the claim——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Chair has an obligation to ensure the time of the House is not wasted. I call Deputy Gormley.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Road safety is not wasting the time of the House and I resent the claim that we are abusing it. The Barr report is a matter of fundamental public interest——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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What is abusing the time of the House is trying to drag a coach and four through the Standing Orders.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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——and it is not right that the Government should deliberately contrive to publish it when the House is in recess.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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That does not arise at this stage. The Deputy has other opportunities to raise the issue.
John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I refer to two Bills promised by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, whom the Tánaiste threatened to sack this week — the defamation Bill and the fines Bill. They were on the A list last session and this session but we are approaching the end of this session. Is the Tánaiste planning emergency legislation to deal with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform's ego, which is clearly out of control?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Both Bills will be published this session. The Minister is working hard on both.
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Are they on the accident and emergency list?
John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Is the Minister working hard on becoming leader?
Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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Is the Tánaiste trying to keep him occupied?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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He is working hard to deal with the Deputy in Dublin South-East.
John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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He will need to work very hard.
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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He cannot stop crime on the north side.
John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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He was not present for the division last night on the Poolbeg peninsula incinerator.
Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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He was around the House and he was not paired.
Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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A diplomatic absence.
Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Given that the Dalton report has been unofficially published in various sectors of the media through leaks——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Has the Deputy a question appropriate to the Order of Business?
Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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There was a further leak only two days ago. Will the Tánaiste confirm that the Dalton report will be published before the Dáil rises for the summer recess? Will time be made available to discuss it over the next two weeks?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism will bring the report to Government next week. It is hoped it will be published after that.
Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
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Will it be debated in the House?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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That is the intention if it is dealt with by the Government next week.
Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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One great legacy of the Government that my party leader did not mention is the massive bill the taxpayer must pay to people in nursing homes. It is estimated €1 billion will be repaid and for this year alone, €350 million——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Has the Deputy a question relevant to the Order of Business?
Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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I have a question if the Chair would give me a chance to ask it. A total of €350 million will be repaid this year. When will the Supplementary Estimate come before the House? Is the Tánaiste aware that the Health Service Executive is not complying with the Freedom of Information Act 1997?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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That does not arise on the Order of Business.
Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Only this morning, I received a complaint about the Tánaiste's Department in this regard. The Tánaiste is responsible for the health service and she is also responsible to ensure it complies with the law.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are ways of raising these matters that are in order.
Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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The law is stated in the Freedom of Information Act.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Tánaiste is present as acting Head of Government, not as Minister for Health and Children.
Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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How does she intend to deal with the fact that the HSE is not complying with the law?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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That does not arise on the Order of Business. I call the Tánaiste on the first question. The Deputy should table a parliamentary question to the Minister for Health and Children on the second matter.
Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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There is not much point in us asking about legislation if it is not even being complied with by the HSE.
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The normal procedure is to introduce a Supplementary Estimate later in the year to deal with the first matter. The Deputy is correct that approximately €350 million will be repaid this year. We allocated €400 million in the budget for this purpose and the intention is to pay the remainder next year. A company has been identified to handle the administration of this and a contract has been entered into with the HSE.
On the second matter, there are clear lines of responsibility regarding who is responsible for enforcing freedom of information legislation and it is not Ministers. Under the Act, each Department or agency affected is required to have a designated officer and they are obliged to adhere to the law. There is no discretion on that matter.
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I will pursue the matter raised by the Deputy.
Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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Given the continuing massive increases in house prices and mortgage interest rates, which are crucifying young, first-time buyers, will the Government bring forward the housing (miscellaneous provisions) Bill to address a number of issues, including profiteering developers, unfinished estates and greater powers and resources for local authorities to provide homes for the 44,000 people on housing waiting lists? Will the legislation be brought forward this year?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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No, next year.
Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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The Defence (Amendment) Bill was published earlier. It was scheduled to be debated this time last week, even though it had not been before Cabinet or published. The Bill will be introduced in the Seanad where all Stages will be taken in the same week. It will then be sent to the Dáil where all Stages will be taken in a day. However, the text of the legislation raises serious questions about whether our troops are deployed legally in Kosovo.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Has the Deputy a question appropriate to the Order of Business?
Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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A guillotine will be imposed on the legislation. Defence (amendment) Bills are not often introduced in the House. Will the legislation be rushed through both Houses during the final two weeks of the session without us having an opportunity to debate it?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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There is no proposal before the House to guillotine the Bill.
Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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The Labour Party has stated for the past few years that there is a serious question about the legality of the deployment of our troops abroad where there is not an established United Nations mandate.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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That does not arise on the Order of Business. The Deputy will have an opportunity to raise that issue when the Bill is debated.
Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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This legislation is an attempt to legalise what was done previously and it is being rushed through the House without an opportunity to debate it.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The legislation cannot be debated now. There is no proposal before the House about a guillotine.
Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Can the Tánaiste assure the House that the Bill will not be guillotined and both Houses will have a proper opportunity to debate it?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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One can never give assurances about when one would use a guillotine.
Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Such as on Deputy McDowell's head.
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The intention is to reach agreement among the Whips on that matter.
Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Deputy McDowell has been warned.
Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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As a brief preamble, given that the record demonstrates that my preambles are quite short, it is mid-summer again and people as young as 12 can be seen drunk on the streets. They order from off-licences by getting other people to order their drink. In that context, I see it is proposed to publish the sale of alcohol Bill by mid-2006. It is now mid-2006 and, unless the Bill is published within the next two weeks, it will not be published until the autumn. Will it published within the next two weeks?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I am unsure. I must come back to the Deputy on that matter.
John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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An answer is pending.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Gilmore.
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My brief suggests the Bill will be published in late 2006.
Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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It is already late.
Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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It is later than the Tánaiste thinks.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Building Societies (Amendment) Bill was published a little more than a week ago. It had been in preparation for approximately three years. Is it true that the Government intends to pass all Stages of this Bill through the Oireachtas in the course of the next two weeks?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I understand the Chief Whip has been in discussions with other party Whips on that matter.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Cowley.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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On the manner in which the House orders its business, if that is the intention, how is it proposed to do so? The Bill has not yet come before the House for its Second Stage debate and another Bill from the relevant Department is before the committee which will consider it. Only a quarter of the amendments for the latter were considered yesterday. Can the Tánaiste explain how, in terms of ordering the business of the House and its committees, it is intended to have the Building Societies (Amendment) Bill passed?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is a matter for the Whips to discuss the ordering of the business of the House.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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No, it is not. This pertains to the ordering of the business of the House and this is important business.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does the Tánaiste wish to comment?
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am asking a question which is perfectly in order.
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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That legislation has not been ordered for next week.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Does that mean it will be passed within a week?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot have a debate on this matter. I call Deputy Cowley.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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So much for parliamentary scrutiny. No wonder the lawyers are making a fortune.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please allow Deputy Cowley to speak. Deputy Cowley has been called.
Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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I wish to raise three matters relating to legislation. Deputy Gogarty spoke on the legislation dealing with alcohol. While legislation already exists to ensure traceability for young people who are sold alcohol at off-licences, at present that legislation has not been implemented. Although the legislation exists, it has not yet been commenced and it should be.
The second point relates to the Road Traffic Bill which is going through the House. Will further legislation be required. At present, a person who has been involved as a driver in a fatal accident can walk away without being breathalysed. That point has not been covered in the present legislation.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does the Deputy wish to ask a question on legislation? The Deputy may debate this matter on the Bill that is going through the House at present.
Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Yes. However, I want to ascertain whether new legislation is proposed.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is new legislation proposed?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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No new legislation is promised. I call Deputy Lynch.
Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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I wish to raise a third matter. I wrote to the former Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Cullen, about a chewing gum tax. It relates to the principle that the polluter pays——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is legislation promised?
Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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——and the cost of cleaning it up. However, it came to a sticky end because the US ambassador intervened on behalf of the Wrigleys company and the matter was not pursued
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is legislation promised?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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No legislation is promised.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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No legislation has been promised. I call Deputy Lynch.
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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The Tánaiste wriggled out of that.
John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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It was a sticky question.
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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In respect of the Disability Act, has the Government any intention of introducing secondary legislation to ensure that taxis which are wheelchair accessible and which received their licences at a reduced rate will be available to people who need them?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is legislation promised?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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All such matters are dealt with by way of sectoral plans.
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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While I genuinely do not mean to be disruptive, this is not under the sectoral plan because I have made inquiries. It appears to be very haphazard and no one appears to have any responsibility.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I suggest the Deputy submits a question to the appropriate Minister because this is a matter to be teased out.
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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This is why I am asking this Minister.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Finian McGrath.
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I submitted a question and that was the answer I received.
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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As for the Order of Business, will the Tánaiste invite the Taoiseach into the Dáil today to apologise to my colleague, Deputy Joe Higgins, for the strong, personalised attack he made in the Chamber yesterday?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It does not arise on the Order of Business. I call Deputy Broughan.
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Does she accept that any person who has been elected to the Seanad or the Dáil is not a failed person? This is a serious matter and the Tánaiste should invite the Taoiseach before the House, either today or early next week, to apologise to my colleague, Deputy Joe Higgins.
Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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He was so hurt that he did not come into the House today.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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The Deputy was also a distinguished former member of the Labour Party.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Will the proposed single electricity market Bill now appear or is it intended to incorporate it as an amendment to the Energy (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill?
Is it true that a group of important positions within the Health Service Executive, namely, the capital or facilities programme managers, are not being appointed by——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It does not arise on the Order of Business. The Tánaiste is to reply on the legislation pertaining to the first question.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Are they being appointed by open competition?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I suggest the Deputy submits a question on the second matter.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Or is it simply Buggins' turn?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Tánaiste is to reply to the first question.
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The legislation is being drafted by the Minister and will be available before the end of the session.
Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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I have another question regarding the Building Societies (Amendment) Bill. Given that it deals with financial institutions, can the Tánaiste explain why it is being introduced under the aegis of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government? The effect of the Bill will be to significantly enrich a small number of individuals. Moreover, I do not believe she answered Deputy Gilmore's previous question in this regard. Can she confirm that this Bill will not pass all Stages before the House rises for its recess——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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This does not arise on the Order of Business
Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)
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——and that proper consideration will be given to its contents?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Responsibility for regulating or for dealing with building societies has rested with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government for many years. This is why that Minister is sponsoring the legislation. As stated earlier, the intention is that the Government Chief Whip will discuss the timing of this matter with the other Whips.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Kenny.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is unlike the Ceann Comhairle to pause in such a fashion.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is a bad habit to call any Member twice.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I understand. This is relevant. Yesterday, I raised with the Taoiseach a question arising from the O'Neill report into the Health Service Executive. I refer to its recommendation that, where the HSE in its visits to nursing homes——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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This does not arise on the Order of Business.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It does not. The Deputy should progress in a manner appropriate to the Order of Business.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The report recommended that, when the HSE uncovers a poor service, the families of patients should be informed. Will the Tánaiste ensure this happens forthwith?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It does not arise. That is a health related question. I call Deputy Rabbitte.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Ceann Comhairle is quick to state that matters do not arise. The television programme, "Prime Time Investigates", investigated this issue last year and showed an appalling lack of treatment in certain nursing homes for some patients.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sorry, Deputy——
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am raising a matter that the HSE should——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is an appropriate matter to raise at an appropriate time, not on the Order of Business. The Chair will facilitate the Deputy on the Adjournment this evening.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is the Ceann Comhairle telling me that in the national Parliament, I cannot raise an issue concerning the care of the elderly in nursing homes——
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Rabbitte.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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——which the Health Service Executive has identified as having an inferior level of service?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will allow the Deputy to raise this matter on the Adjournment.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is the Ceann Comhairle telling me that this matter is not relevant?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am telling the Deputy that I will allow him to raise the matter on the Adjournment this evening, if he wishes.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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If I do, will the Ceann Comhairle be present?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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That would be an appropriate time to debate the issue, not on the Order of Business.
Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It is too late for the Adjournment.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Will the Bill drafted by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform for some of the Progressive Democrats Senators have the support of the Government? I refer to the Bill on home defence.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It does not arise on the Order of Business. A Bill before the Seanad does not arise in this House. We do not discuss them.
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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That has always been the way in this House.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Does the Bill have the support of the Government?
Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is a matter for the other House.
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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If I may reply, this Bill is an initiative by Senator Morrissey. It is not a Progressive Democrats Bill.
Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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They are disowning it.