Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It is proposed to take No. 6, motion re the proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of a proposal that section 17A of the Diseases of Animals Act 1966 shall continue in force for the period ending on 8 March 2009 — back from committee; No. 6a, motion re leave to introduce Supplementary Estimate — Vote 28; No. 6b, motion re referral of Supplementary Estimate — Vote 28 — to select committee; No. 12, Finance Bill 2008 — Report Stage (resumed) and Final Stage; No. 13, Legal Practitioners (Irish Language) Bill 2007 — Order for Report, Report and Final Stages — to adjourn at 1 p.m. today, if not previously concluded; No. 13a, statements on World Trade Organisation.

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: (1) Nos. 6 and 6a and, subject to the agreement of No. 6a, No. 6b shall be decided without debate and any divisions demanded thereon shall be taken forthwith; (2) the proceedings on Report Stage (resumed) and Final Stage of No. 12 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 1 p.m. today by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance; (3) the proceedings on No. 13a shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 3.30 p.m. today and the following arrangements shall apply: the statements of a Minister or Minister of State and the main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party, the Labour Party and Sinn Féin who shall be called upon in that order shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case; the statement of each other Member called upon shall not exceed ten minutes in each case; Members may share time; and a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 15 minutes.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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There are three proposals to put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 6, 6a and 6b without debate agreed to?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Nos. 6a and 6b are motions relating to the EU reform treaty. Is the Tánaiste happy that €5.8 million will be sufficient for the business of the referendum commission? On publication of the Bill, is it intended to establish the commission and announce the date for the referendum today?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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On the matter before the House, the Department of Foreign Affairs is seeking Dáil approval for a technical Supplementary Estimate to allow expenditure under subhead O of Vote 28, that is, in respect of the EU reform treaty, as Deputy Kenny said. Subhead O involves a new service under Vote 28 and, as such, Dáil approval is required before expenditure is incurred. A sum of €5.8 million will be sufficient. The stablishment of the referendum commission is dependent on hearing from the Judiciary regarding the name of the proposed chairman. The date of the referendum is not being announced today.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Timmins has made the point on a number of occasions that the information the commission presents should be as simple, relevant and understandable as possible in order that members of the public can be well informed before making a decision. Will the information given by the commission to the public consist solely of facts, or will it give a direction on whether to vote yes or no?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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My understanding of the role of the commission is, as on previous occasions, to give an objective assessment of the arguments for and against in order that the people will understand the content of the treaty and the arguments in favour of adopting it. In compliance with court judgments, it will give a balanced view.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 6, 6a and 6b without debate agreed? Agreed.

Is the proposal for dealing with No. 12, Report Stage (resumed) and Final Stage of the Finance Bill 2008, agreed?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I object to the debate on the Bill being guillotined. I understand 15 amendments have been reached, while more than 40 have been submitted, some of which are very important. Given the importance of the Bill and the issues to be discussed, the debate should not be guillotined. I object to the proposal on that basis.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I object to the debate on the Bill being guillotined at 1 p.m. Yesterday we debated a number of very important amendments. However, the Minister introduced an amendment at the last minute on Monday to allow for the provision of tax breaks for investors in hospice care. Hospice care in Ireland has traditionally been not-for-profit, voluntary and based on fund-raising and bequests. This is a major change. It may be an opportunity for the Government to complete its privatisation and two-tier health system agenda. The guillotine allows no Opposition amendment to the Minister's late amendment, as there may not be an opportunity to debate it today. This measure is a repeat of what the former Minister for Finance, Mr. McCreevy, did five years ago on 5 March 2003 when, he later admitted, he had been lobbied by a doctor in his own constituency in respect of private day hospitals. Every party and Member in this House wants to see the provision of more hospice care but it should not be to further the agenda of developing a two-tier health service. We are seeing what has happened to women in Portlaoise as a consequence of the development of the two-tier service and we saw what happened to Susie Long. Now people will not get the care and attention that may help them to survive, or even when they come for palliative care and pain relief or terminal care——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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We cannot have a debate on the Bill now.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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——it will now be privatised.

John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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It will make more places available.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I object to the guillotine on the Finance Bill. It is an interesting debate but at our current rate of progress we will not even get to the crucial amendment referred to by the previous speaker. On the roll-out of this, just yesterday it was disclosed that land at Beaumont Hospital was gifted to private developers as well. This was instead of developing a necessary psychiatric unit for people in this city and State. I hope the Tánaiste will provide extra time for this important debate.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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We wish to conclude Report Stage today at 1 p.m. and we will put that to the House. It is unfortunate the issue referred to by Deputy Burton is being portrayed in the way it is. This is very much supportive of the hospice movement and it is a proposal supported by the voluntary hospice managers' association, which is involved in the hospice movement.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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The Tánaiste knows we all support the hospice movement.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I take some exception to the idea that my motivation is other than to be supportive of the hospice and those who manage the hospice movement.

Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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Hear, hear.

John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Hear, hear.

Michael Woods (Dublin North East, Fianna Fail)
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Hear, hear.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In reply to the Tánaiste——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I must put the question——

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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——this amendment only concerns investors or investment in private hospice development. That is the wording.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is the proposal for dealing with No. 13a, statements on the World Trade Organisation, agreed? Agreed.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will not have the opportunity to speak on Report Stage of the Finance Bill 2008 but wish to refer to amendment No. 24. We should not divide the country into regions according to death rates. In respect of hospice provisions, the amendment states "not less than 20 in-patient beds". There are hospices throughout the country with fewer than 20 inpatient beds. We do not want a situation where a hospice in County Wexford or County Cork is approved but one in County Louth or County Offaly is not. If the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance amended the amendment to state "more than 12 or 14 in-patient beds", it would be very beneficial and there would be equality across the board. It would also give a sense of dignity and respect to those who are terminally ill and who must go into hospices.

I understand that at the meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children a few moments ago, it emerged, and was confirmed by the HSE, that a letter was written by Mr. Peter Naughton to the Tánaiste's successor in the Department, the Minister, Deputy Michéal Martin, in 2002. The Irish Times sought evidence of such a letter under the Freedom of Information Act but it did not emerge. Deputy Reilly asked the Minister for Health and Children in the Dáil if there was such a letter but she said not according to her information. By confirming that such a letter existed and by making it public, it now appears that somebody tampered with this file which is evidence of an attempt to cover up a request for information made to the Tánaiste's successor about a very serious matter in Portlaoise hospital.

Political accountability should take place in this Chamber and I will request that time is allocated next week for a full discussion on this issue and the way it was handled. This is too important for nobody to be blamed, for it to be considered a systems failure and for the buck to be passed again. I will make a request, through our Whip, for a full scale debate on this issue because if somebody removed, covered up or altered that file or dictated that the evidence therein not be presented in the face of a freedom of information request by Deputy Reilly, it is scandalous and disgraceful and we need to find out the truth. Political accountability should occur in this Chamber.

I welcome the fact the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, or his office, has given an instruction to the Minister for Education and Science to sort out the problem in regard to autism. If she agrees to sort it out, any announcement about a change in Government policy in regard to facilities for autistic children should be made in the House. On three occasions in the past week, I have asked the Taoiseach to give me a report on the opening of the autistic unit at Castleknock Educate Together school. The Tánaiste will be aware that this situation has arisen on foot of a difficulty that exists between the Ministers for Education and Science and Health and Children. The child at the centre of this matter has been offered a place at a facility which is located two hours' journey from the family home. That is an appalling response, particularly when one considers that said journey would have to be made through Dublin traffic.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am anxious to allow other Members to raise matters. I have given the Deputy a great deal of latitude.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There is one further matter I wish to raise. In the murder case that came to a conclusion before the courts yesterday, the presiding judge was constrained with regard to allowing the family involved to make a victim impact statement. Is it the Government's intention to bring forward a legislative measure to ensure that victim impact statements could be made in cases of this nature?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I do not want to open a discussion on matters that will be dealt with in the context of the Report Stage debate on the Finance Bill.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I wish to comment on the same issue as that raised by Deputy Kenny.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy Kenny raised a number of issues. Perhaps Deputy Burton will allow the Tánaiste to reply before she poses her questions. As already stated, I do not want us to engage in a debate on the Finance Bill. Deputy Kenny requested a debate on issues that have arisen before the Joint Committee on Health and Children this morning and inquired about promised legislation in the form of an amendment to the Criminal Justice Act. Perhaps the Tánaiste will comment on the latter two matters.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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When the Report Stage debate on the Finance Bill adjourned, we were on amendment No. 14. There is no reason that we will not reach and debate amendment No. 24. The issue is that there is a requirement to work in accordance with existing policy. Pre-approval would be required from the HSE. However, I will go into that in detail when Report Stage resumes. This matter has been portrayed in an incorrect way and I do not know whether this was by mistake or on purpose. I would welcome the opportunity to deal with it comprehensively on Report Stage.

I am not aware of what is happening at the meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children. Deputy Kenny has drawn a rather extreme conclusion with regard to whatever has arisen at the meeting in respect of an item of correspondence. I would not necessarily accept that what he said is the case. It is rather premature to come to the conclusion reached by the Deputy. The question of the business that will be taken in the House next week is a matter for the Whips.

On the subject of autism, the Minister for Education and Science has done a great deal of work in respect of that issue and she continues to be committed to its development as part of the improved provision for special needs within the mainstream educational system. The specific matter relating to Castleknock will have to be taken up with the line Department because I am not au fait with it.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is there promised legislation in the area of victim impact statements?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am not aware of any promised legislation in that area. Perhaps the Deputy could table a parliamentary question to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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On the various reports into breast cancer services at Portlaoise, Harry S. Truman had a sign on his desk which said "The buck stops here". It appears that for the Government the buck stops anywhere other than on the desks of those who occupy the Front Bench. Will the Government facilitate a debate on a motion by means of which we might seek to identify who was responsible in respect of this matter? We encourage teenagers getting ready for later life to take responsibility. Are those in Government just a bunch of teenagers who could do with some parental advice on taking responsibility for some of the messes over which they have presided?

Saturday next is International Women's Day. This is a sombre time. What happened to the women at Portlaoise is upsetting for every female, particularly in the context of what it implies in the context of being tested and then receiving false positive or false negative results. This is a difficult time for families throughout the country. The idea that the Government is trying to skirt around this issue makes matters doubly difficult.

Given the advent of International Women's Day, it is important to note that 138 women have been murdered — most of them, apparently, by their partners and husbands — since 1996. Is the Government giving consideration to introducing legislation to allow the presentation of victim impact statements in cases where people have died——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That question has already been answered.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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——or to bringing into being a harm-reduction strategy in order to reduce the number of murders of women?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is there any legislation promised in this regard?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am not aware of any such promised legislation. I cannot comment on the case with which the courts dealt yesterday. It is important that we should tackle these matters in the cold light of day and not in the context of the specific tragic cases being dealt with by the courts. We should not say anything here which might impinge upon the independence of the courts' adjudication on these matters. I am not aware of any specific legislation in this area.

As stated earlier, I do not accept the precipitative and serious conclusion drawn by Deputy Kenny. Such conclusions should not be bandied about in the House, particularly when one considers that discussions are ongoing. It is, therefore, a matter for the Whips to decide what business will be taken next week.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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On a point of order, is the Tánaiste saying that the Government Chief Whip may proceed, in conjunction with the other Whips, to arrange a debate?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is not quite a point of order. However, the Tánaiste may wish to reply.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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It is a very important point.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I will make the general and obvious observation that the ordering of business is usually dealt with through the Whips.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I welcome the publication of the Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill, the purpose of which is to enable the State to ratify the Lisbon reform treaty. The convention is that there would usually be a two-week period of reflection for the Opposition. However, in view of the widespread concern that the House has not discussed this matter since the treaty was signed in Lisbon on 13 December, would it be possible to introduce the Bill on Wednesday or Thursday next in order that the debate on it might commence prior to the two-week Easter recess?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I welcome the support of some parties — particularly Labour and Fine Gael — in respect of the general thrust of the Twenty-Eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill. The work done by those parties' spokespersons with the relevant Ministers on the legislation is appreciated by the Government.

On the urgent need for the debate to commence, I agree with Deputy Quinn that this is an important matter which requires, as soon as is practicable, the full attention and consideration of the House. Having an unrestricted Second Stage debate in order that as many Members as possible might place their views on the record would be of great assistance to the wider public in the context not only of awareness, but also in respect of the general issues involved. The expertise that resides on all sides of this House should be put to good use in such a debate.

As already stated, the legislation should be dealt with as soon as is practicable. The Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs will be attending the spring European Council meeting next week. It may, therefore, be difficult to arrange to commence the debate then. I accept the motivation behind the Deputy's question, namely, to have the debate on the legislation begin within the Dáil as soon as possible. It may well be that this matter will take centre stage in our deliberations in plenary session immediately after the recess. The White Paper should be published by the end of the month and this will also help to inform the debate.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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We were promised, literally years ago, that the attachment of fines Bill would be——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Perhaps the Deputy will switch off his mobile phone.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I apologise. We were promised some time ago that the attachment of fines Bill, which would allow gardaí to be deployed on the beat as opposed to being obliged to collect fines, would be introduced. Is it possible that this legislation, the intoxicating liquor Bill and the sale of alcohol Bill will be introduced in order that we might discuss that major issue?

On the row between the pharmacists and the Government, when will the pharmacy (No. 2) Bill be introduced in order that we can discuss that important matter?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Fines Bill is before the Seanad at present. There is also the enforcement of fines Bill, for which there is, as yet, no publication date. The intoxicating liquor Bill and the sale of alcohol Bill are expected to be taken during the course of this year. I understand that no legislation is promised in respect of the other matter.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I have a question about a forthcoming Bill to which I will come shortly. There are strong rumours in my constituency this morning.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy should speak on legislation.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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This is about forthcoming legislation, to which I will get to in a second. There are strong rumours this morning in the constituency that when the strategic review of health services in County Clare is published soon, there will be recommendations on the downgrading of Ennis General Hospital.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is not relevant to the Order of Business.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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It is because it concerns the health information Bill. Capital funding will not be forthcoming for the project. I seek clarification, particularly in respect of this project.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I cannot clarify rumours.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Tánaiste was asked about the health information Bill.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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They are very strong rumours from reliable sources.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy might allow the Tánaiste to reply to the question.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Despite promises from Ministers that the €39 million promised for Ennis General Hospital would be forthcoming — I even have a letter from the Health Service Executive to the same effect — we hear that this is not happening.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Where is it now?

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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What is happening with regard to the hospital? We have people from——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I have called the Tánaiste.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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The Leas-Cheann Comhairle should hold on for a second. This is a very serious matter. I do not stand in the House very often, unless I have a very serious matter to raise. This is a serious issue.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Of course, it is, which is why it should be taken seriously.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The health information Bill has receded into the distance.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Where has the money gone?

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Is there some other means of raising the issue?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Has the Deputy submitted a request to raise the matter on the Adjournment?

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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I have.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is the way to deal with the matter.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Will the Leas-Cheann Comhairle give me permission to raise it on the Adjournment?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That will depend on how hard things are pushed right now.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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This is high priority.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I understand that. I call Deputy Flanagan.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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When will the Hanly report be rolled out?

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Well done, Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy Flanagan is not offering.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I am. I was waiting for the cross-fire behind me to cease.

In reference to the important matter raised by Deputy Kenny and in view of the Tánaiste's reply that the ordering of business is exclusively and entirely a matter for the Whips, the Tánaiste, as a constituency Deputy like me, must have some interest in the Portlaoise cancer issue. The importance of having a debate on it is underlined by the fact that notwithstanding the three reports published yesterday, there is a black hole in this procedure——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That point is understood.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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——namely, the absence of any reportage on the important role of the Department of Health and Children in this affair going back several years.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It is not appropriate to raise that issue now.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I accept what the Leas-Cheann Comhairle says but notwithstanding what the Tánaiste said about the ordering of business, he might recommend to the Government Whip that he consider setting aside time for a debate on this issue next week.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am sure the Tánaiste will have careful regard to what the Deputy is saying.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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It is urgent that we do this next week because the Dáil will be rising for a couple of weeks. It is important given the widespread unease, that these issues be discussed.

In reply to another Deputy the Tánaiste referred to legislation dealing with victims. A victims of crime Bill was promised some time ago which must be on a B or C list. Will the Tánaiste talk to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform about bringing it from the C list to the A list because of its importance?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister will note the request made in the House regarding that matter. The Bill is at an early stage of preparation. I did not say it was up to the Whips to organise business; it is up to the Government to do so but we seek the co-operation of the Whips in bringing forward business in line with the Government programme.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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The Tánaiste is always forthcoming.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I note what the Deputy has to say about the issue generally.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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As my constituency colleagues will readily testify, drive-by shootings have recently been introduced to the constituency. In line with the issue I raised in the past couple of weeks, with the obvious increase in organised crime such that crime barons seem to walk about the country with impunity——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Does the Deputy have an appropriate question?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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He should hurry up.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I am coming to it. There is a pile of relevant legislation but I want to set out what it is for. It appears that there is ongoing intimidation——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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If the Deputy does not ask about legislation, I will move on.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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If the Leas-Cheann Comhairle allows me to finish this sentence——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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This is a long preamble.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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——it will help.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It will not.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It will because the relevant legislation——

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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He needs to take off.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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This is an important issue which needs to be addressed.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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What legislation is the Deputy talking about?

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I have raised the issue repeatedly in the past couple of weeks. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has evaporated from the House. He was here but now he is gone. I want somebody to address this issue as a matter of urgency and the Tánaiste is the most likely person to do it. These are the Bills if the Tánaiste wants to know what they are: the criminal justice (confiscation of orders) Bill——

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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It is already against the law to shoot people.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Minister should allow the Deputy to finally list the legislation.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The Minister should not invite me in his direction because I have areas for him to cover, too.

Deputies:

There will be another drive-by shooting.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The list includes the criminal justice (cybercrime and attacks against information systems) Bill and the criminal justice (European evidence warrant) Bill which is urgent and about which something should be done. The Tánaiste is about to tell me it is not possible to indicate at this stage when it will be brought forward. The list also includes the criminal justice (money laundering) Bill and the criminal justice (mutual recognition of financial penalties) Bill.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is a list of four criminal justice Bills.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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They will all have an immediate impact on the issues other Members and I have tried to raise.

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The confiscation of orders and money laundering Bills are due this year. There is no date for the others.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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There is no date and no action on the part of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. That is an abdication.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Tá a fhios agam gur í seo Seachtain na Gaeilge, ach ní raibh morán díospóireachta as Gaeilge anseo sa Teach. Deputy Timmins has just handed me the referendum Bill, the Twenty-eighth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2007. It costs €50 billion on the current side to run the country. Pages 6 and 7 of the Bill are entirely as Gaeilge, while pages 8 and 9 are entirely in English. It is mixed up. The Government will have to withdraw the Bill because nobody will read it or be able to understand it.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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It is like the beggarman's back.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Part 2 on page 8 is in English; Cuid a dó on page 9 is also in English. The Tánaiste has a responsibility to withdraw the Bill and have it put in proper sequence because it is not correct.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Ó Cuív, tells me that it is, in fact, correct. When one brings forward a referendum Bill, one is required to translate exactly the English words into Irish and in an Irish version to translate the Irish into English.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Irish is the first language.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, tells me that while it is an unusual format, it is in order.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There is no translation of two sections.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It is a little late for the English.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Tá sé in ord.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am advised formally that it is the normal presentation of a constitutional amendment Bill.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Níl aon botún ann. Tá sé ceart agus tá sé in ord.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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There is no English translation of Part 1.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The title is in English and the text is in Irish.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There is no English translation of parts.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Leas-Cheann Comhairle has clarified the matter.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am advised officially and will receive formal advice for the Leader of the Fine Gael Party on the matter.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Part 1 is in Irish. There is no English translation of cuid a haon that I can see.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The headings are mixed up with the text.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It is supposed to be in both languages.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Perhaps Part 2 is a translation of Part 1.

P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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It is like Dingle-Daingean-Dingle.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste might check it.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Dúirt an Leas-Cheann Comhairle nach bhfuil aon rud mí-cheart.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Más í sin an tuairim, glacfaidh mé le sin.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I will get advice for the Leader of the Fine Gael Party to ensure matters are standard.

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Several members of the public have contacted me about the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill which was published in 2006. I understand it went through Second Stage in 2007 but seems to have stalled since. I tabled a question to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform but the Ceann Comhairle disallowed it. What is happening? When will the Bill be taken?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It is on Committee Stage but we are waiting for a date for the committee to take it.

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Can something be done to ensure a speedy resolution of this matter? It has taken a long time and people are waiting for the Bill.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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If it is a priority matter for the committee, it will be taken as soon as practicable. I will ask that the Deputy's message be conveyed.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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We have a tight timeframe for the Finance Bill but I will call the Deputies who have offered if they will be very brief.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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When can we expect the long overdue legislation to stop the exploitation of agency workers? We heard of a dreadful situation in my constituency concerning the Gama workers.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that should be dealt with this year.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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On 12 and 13 February the House had a substantive debate on the autism issue, as the Tánaiste is aware. The House divided on a substantive motion on the part of the Government.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Time is very tight.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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If the Government changes its position on this issue in the immediate future, will the Tánaiste give a commitment that the change in policy by the Government will be announced in the House?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That issue has already been addressed.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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He cannot give a commitment.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I call Deputy Varadkar to ask a very brief question.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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There will be no change.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I cannot anticipate any change coming before the House until the Government makes a decision — if it wishes to make a decision.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Can I seek clarification——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I want to move on; a number of Deputies want to get in.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Will the Tánaiste say whether the Government will make the announcement should it occur?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I ask Deputy Hayes to please resume his seat; Deputies should not ignore the Chair.

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Will the Tánaiste give Deputy Hayes an invitation this time not to break in?

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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I am sorry. I apologise to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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I want to ask about two matters. The first is the employment rights compliance Bill, which will establish NERA on a statutory footing. A commitment was made by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the Taoiseach that this Bill would be published by the end of February. It is now mid-March, and we are a week away from dissolution. Why has the Bill not been published and when will it be?

Following on from Deputy Hayes's question, can the Tánaiste give a commitment that the announcement of any change in autism policy will be made in the House, as appropriate, and not at a press conference——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Tánaiste will deal with the question on legislation; we have already dealt with the other matter.

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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——a press conference that we shall be excluded from, no doubt.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I cannot give any such commitment.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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On the legislation, please.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The employment rights compliance Bill is listed to be published in this session, which technically means the beginning of the next session.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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I have a brief question for the Leas-Cheann Comhairle. The Labour Party's priority question on transport was ruled out once again. The Ceann Comhairle said in an article in The Irish Times last week that he intends to reform the House's operations. When is he going to start? It is a basic question of public interest.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It is not something I am aware of.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Tánaiste might communicate with the Deputy.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I will communicate with him.