Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Will the Tánaiste indicate what is the problem with the legislation for the regulation of charities? Has the Government had an opportunity to consider the European Union ruling to the effect that donations allowable for tax purposes may now be made in respect of a charity registered anywhere in Europe? As we have no charities legislation, it leaves a degree of vulnerability in regard to Irish charities for which tax relief is important. What exactly is the problem?

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy must not have been present when the Taoiseach dealt with this issue yesterday and referred to the complexities which have arisen.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Minister is the legal brain. I want his view.

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The issue does not come under my remit, it comes under the jurisdiction of the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Bill was in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for seven or eight years.

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Taoiseach explained clearly yesterday all the difficulties involved. The Bill will be published next year.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Has the Government considered the EU ruling which gives rise to a taxation issue?

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should submit a question to the line Minister.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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When will the EPACE Bill be published and what powers will it imbue when enacted?

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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In 2009.

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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It is not possible to say at this stage.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Surprise, surprise. Another outbreak of silence. It is the Government's responsibility.

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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I do not know whether tackling corruption in Government is still part of the Progressive Democrats agenda, but when will the Criminal Justice (UN Convention against Corruption) Bill be published?

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Yes and no.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste should say "Yes".

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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It will be published in 2007.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In light of yesterday's announcement by HSE officials that the Teamwork report will be rolled out nationally, when will time be given to discuss the report in the House? Its serious implications are not for County Monaghan alone.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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If a debate is not promised, it is a matter for the Whips.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Someone in Government should decide who is running the health service.

Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is a debate promised?

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It will be promised in a minute.

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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No debate is promised. It is a matter for the Whips.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Will the Tánaiste guarantee a debate?

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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He will.

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Will the long-promised pharmacy Bill address the anomalous three-year rule that affects non-Irish trained pharmacists? Will the Bill be before the Dáil this session? It has been promised several times and while I received answers stating it would appear shortly, that has not happened.

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The Bill will be published this session and will deal with the three-year rule.

James Breen (Clare, Independent)
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The Tánaiste set up a committee to inquire into the regulation of auctioneering and he confirmed to the House that he will introduce legislation in that respect. Has the Tánaiste reconsidered that?

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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No specific legislation has been promised, but the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is sponsoring a major initiative in this matter. On a non-statutory basis, we are making preparations for a new regime for auctioneers. When the committee reports to the Department, we will prepare legislation to give effect to the reform programme.