Dáil debates
Thursday, 8 May 2008
Order of Business
10:30 am
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is proposed to take No. 10, motion re proposed approval for council framework decision on the organisation and content of the exchange of information extracted from criminal records between member states; and No. 3, Defamation Bill 2006 [Seanad] — Second Stage.
It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 10 shall be decided without debate and shall be taken before Private Members' business. Private Members' business shall be No. 33, motion re management companies (housing developments).
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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There is one proposal to put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 10, motion re proposed approval for council framework decision on the organisation and content of the exchange of information extracted from criminal records between member states, without debate, agreed? Agreed.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The previous Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, now the Minister for Finance — good luck to him — received the Morris tribunal report on 24 April. It was published yesterday, which was statutorily the last day to do so. Was there a reason that it was not published before the statutory deadline was about to be reached? In view of the importance of this element of the Morris tribunal now being available and given that the Tánaiste is a Member from the county involved, can I take it we will have an opportunity to discuss this report in the House? Will she give consent to the new Whip to approve that debate? It is a matter of very serious import for the conduct of the Garda, for those involved and for ordinary citizens. I hope the Tánaiste will give consent to an early discussion in the House on this first element of the Morris tribunal.
The National Property Services Regulatory Authority was established in 2005 and was allocated a budget of €700,000 in 2007 and €930,000 in 2008. However, it cannot operate as legislation to give it power has not been brought before the House. When is it proposed to introduce the legislation giving statutory effect to the National Property Services Regulatory Authority?
What is the Tánaiste's view in respect of the siting of the Central Mental Hospital at Thornton Hall? Evidence is now very clear that this is the wrong thing to do. Is there a change of Government policy in this regard?
Now that we have a reformed or recycled Government, as somebody said yesterday, what is the position on the reintroduction of the long-term residential care services Bill? This was to be rammed through before Christmas by the Minister for Health and Children, who is not present. We were given consistent responses from the previous Taoiseach that this was on its way very shortly. However, there now appear to be some constitutional difficulties with it. It is a matter of very considerable import to thousands of people, as the Tánaiste well knows. Can I take it that we will have an accurate report as to when it will be introduced in the House?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As Deputy Kenny is aware, the Morris tribunal is a matter of utmost gravity. It deserves due consideration. There was a statutory framework within which the former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform worked as he indicated publicly today. It was a very short timeframe. On the basis of that short timeframe, the Garda Commissioner wished to prepare his response. It was on that basis that it was statute-bound and published yesterday. We are not averse to the Deputy's request for a debate on the matter and I am sure it can be raised with the Whips in due course when time allows for that discussion.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It should happen quickly rather than in due course, which could be years.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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That all depends on what time we finish here today and then we can order our business.
On the other matters, we hope to have both Bills available this session. We are aware of the health Bill on long-term care which is very important. It is the Minister's anxiety that this is introduced as quickly as possible this session.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The previous Taoiseach used to say that the session continued until the commencement of the next Dáil session. Can I take it that the long-stay residential institutions Bill will be dealt with here before the House rises at the end of June?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Yes, it will be before the summer recess.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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We will also need to decide the recess.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I understand the date for the rising of the House is 3 July.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I also wish to raise the issue of the Morris tribunal report. Publication of that report yesterday on the day when the Government was being formed was an act of political cynicism. It reminded me of the press officer in the UK who circulated a memorandum on 11 September 2001 suggesting to Ministers if they had any bad news to release, it would be a good day to do so. I heard the explanation of the Minister for Finance this morning. While I accept yesterday was the final day, there was nothing to prevent the publication of that report earlier than yesterday. The publication at lunchtime on the day the Government was being formed was clearly a well news-managed event. It does not behove any new practices on the part of the Government.
I ask about the arrangements for a debate on it. This is a report with very serious conclusions. I ask the Tánaiste whether that debate will take place next week. I understand a Whips' meeting is to take place immediately after the Order of Business, so I presume the Government has already decided the business the House will deal with next week. Will the debate on the Morris tribunal report take place next week?
As I am on the subject of news management, I did not want to raise this matter in this forum yesterday because it was a feel-good day around here. However, I want to protest very strongly at the disrespect the Government showed for this House yesterday. The Taoiseach was asked to extend the time for the debate on the formation of Government merely by an hour. In a very arrogant way he refused to do so. It was clear what was going on.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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It was clear that the timing of events yesterday was meant to coincide with main news bulletins. That is very admirable news management and I congratulate the people who organised it.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am afraid that matter is not in order on the Order of Business.
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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There is no legislation promised.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I am trying to save some time in the future. If that practice continues into the future, then the Members of this House, including the members of the Government, will be going through those lobbies considerably more often than they might expect.
Michael Ahern (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
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Emmet will be back again.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On the issue of the Morris tribunal, I believe all in this House agree this is a matter of grave concern. Once they receive a report people must be afforded an opportunity to analyse it and revert to it. It was on this basis that the former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform indicated publicly the Garda Commissioner wished that opportunity to be afforded to him. Two further reports are imminent. To be helpful, it might be best to discuss all of them in their entirety.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Both these reports are being made available in a matter of weeks. If the Deputies opposite do not wish to agree, that will be a matter for consideration with the Whips. It would give a wrong signal that anyone on this side of the House or indeed anyone within the House would not take on board the severity and outcomes of this report. These are now public documents that are laid before the Oireachtas. I have the same regard as all of us for the Houses of the Oireachtas and the publication in no way marries the way in which this matter has been dealt with. It is statute bound. It is publicly available. As I have indicated, we will be forthcoming in organising a debate to discuss it. To be prudent in the better use of time and time management, it may be better to afford the opportunity for the other two reports to be discussed. However, that will be a matter for the Whips to determine.
On the final item, I listened to what the Deputy said. Luckily, as a woman of compassion, I do not take threats.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I was not threatening. I was promising.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach and I, along with all members of the Government, have the highest regard for this House and the discussions that take place. The Taoiseach indicated yesterday afternoon, when it came to the timing of the debate, that it was to be between 6 p.m. and 8.15 p.m. and that was to be the order of the House. He indicated that the 15 minutes lost was provided, giving due regard to the Members of the House who wished to discuss the matter.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Many Deputies have indicated a desire to contribute and I am anxious to facilitate everyone if I can. Did Deputy Gilmore wish to add a brief supplementary question?
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I wish to reassure the Tánaiste that I do not make threats. However, I promise that if what happened yesterday is repeated there will be consequences.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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What information does the Tánaiste have on when the other Morris reports will be published? She clearly expects that they will be published in a matter of weeks.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am advised that it will be a matter of a number of weeks and we will communicate with Deputy Gilmore personally on the issue.
Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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With reference to the Nuclear Test Ban Bill, it has come to my attention that there is no explanatory memorandum. As the House is aware, the purpose of an explanatory memorandum is to inform of a Bill's rationale and what it is intended to achieve. Given there is no explanatory memorandum for the Nuclear Test Ban Bill, is the House indicating that we will take the Joe Jacob approach of putting our heads between our legs? Will we get an explanatory memorandum for the Bill?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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We will check that out and the Minister may facilitate the Deputy with a one-to-one, if necessary.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I wish to raise a matter of justice legislation and, in doing so, I wish to congratulate the former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform on his elevation to the position of Minister for Finance and thank him for his courtesy in the past 11 months.
On 29 November I published a Garda Síochána (Powers of Surveillance) Bill that would permit evidence gathered by surveillance in certain circumstances to be admissible against crime bosses. The Minister opposed the Bill at the time and said "it would alert the criminals". However, on the radio this morning I heard him claim it as one of his great achievements.
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Another exclusive for RTE.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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He told the Garda Representative Association that he would publish such a Bill. Given his closeness to the Tánaiste, I wonder if the Tánaiste can tell me when we will see it.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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To be honest, it is not on any list but the former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform did indicate that he was taking on board the issues Deputy Rabbitte raised. There are complex issues and legislation is forthcoming.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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With respect, the Minister announced outside the House that he would bring forward a Garda Síochána (Powers of Surveillance) Bill. It is not a question of what I told him; I published the Bill and it is there to be seen.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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It was not a bad idea.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I am glad the Deputy stayed where he is. When will the Bill be published?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The heads of the Bill are being prepared at the moment.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I wish to speak on the same matter, a covert surveillance Bill.
Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy wishes to speak of covert surveillance. That is a good one.
Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Can Deputy Ó Snodaigh give some advice?
Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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This Bill seeks to place the existing practice by the security forces on a statutory basis in line with the European Convention on Human Rights, ECHR. I did not know we had security forces. Will the Bill take account of the Morris report?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It is not appropriate to raise the contents of the Bill.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Until now it was intended for court purposes, not to regularise the——
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The heads of the Bill are being prepared at the moment. The Bill is forthcoming and the Deputies will have ample time to put forward their views and discuss it in due course.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I call on Deputy Joanna Tuffy. I beg Deputy Durkan's pardon and will return to him shortly.
Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I congratulate the Tánaiste on her appointment and it is good to see a woman in the post.
Senior Government spokespersons have been quoted in newspapers recently as saying the fair deal Bill relating to long-term residential care services is looking less and less likely. It is time the Government was up front about this because it keeps missing deadlines. It is clear to me, as a solicitor who worked in property, that there is a problem. A clause in the Constitution says the State cannot pass a law to abolish people's rights to leave or inherit property and I see difficulties in this regard.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I think, in general terms, the question relates to the timing of the Bill. I understand it will be during this session.
Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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If the Bill is unconstitutional and will not proceed the Government should be up front about it.
On another piece of legislation, a report this Sunday on the designated land (housing development) Bill suggested the Government will pass a law allowing it to acquire land for critical public projects at below market value. Is this just kite-flying to keep the Green Party's publicity machine going? Will this go ahead because the Government has not used compulsory purchase orders, CPOs?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I indicated to Deputy Kenny that the first piece of legislation will be discussed during this session and we are anxious to bring it forward as quickly as possible. The designated land (housing development) Bill will be dealt with this year.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Like everyone else, I extend my good wishes to the Tánaiste and the newly appointed Ministers and wish them well in the future.
On promised legislation, I wish to raise an issue that has, no doubt, already been brought to the Tánaiste's attention, the ongoing dispute with pharmacists. Can she take the initiative and intervene with a view to bringing meaningful negotiations to a head?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is not in order, as the Deputy knows.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Alternatively, will she withdraw or bring before the House the proposed pharmacy (No. 2) Bill.
The extradition Bill has been hanging around, like a great deal of other legislation from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, for some time. It has been promised and threatened but nothing has happened. As the Minister sitting beside the Tánaiste is more familiar with this area, can I ask whether it is intended to place any importance on the issues referred to in the Bill and bring it before the House as a matter of urgency?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Unfortunately, I am not in a position to say when those pieces of legislation will be debated in the House.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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That is unfortunate.
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I congratulate my fellow Ulster person on her appointment and my colleague from Cavan-Monaghan on his. It is good to see two Ulster people in important places.
The first issue, the health (long-term residential care services) Bill, has already been raised but I wish to emphasise it because there is a crisis in this regard.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Questions on that have been answered twice. Has the Deputy another piece of legislation that is relevant?
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In light of the statement made by the Taoiseach yesterday on county hospitals, when will the eligibility for health and personal social services Bill be introduced? This will let us know the services people are entitled to.
Will there be an opportunity to discuss the mental health (amendment) Bill here, in light of the crisis in mental health services that is dragging on and the current level of suicide?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Both pieces of legislation will be available next year.
11:00 am
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I wish the Tánaiste well on her first full day in office.
A serious situation is developing between the Health Service Executive, HSE, and the psychiatric services. What steps will the Government take in this regard and will the Minister come before the House to address the issue? Care services are now being withdrawn and patients are being directly affected. Regarding specific legislation, what can be done to bring forward the nurses and midwives Bill? I ask that the Tánaiste also address the earlier part of my question.
My final point is relevant in the context of a new Taoiseach and Tánaiste and a shuffled Cabinet and should get the attention of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Noel Dempsey. I tabled a series of nine parliamentary questions to the Minister for Transport, Deputy Dempsey. Four of these have been refused on the basis that they concern the Road Safety Authority. However unsatisfactory it has proved when the Minister for Health and Children kicks into touch a parliamentary question to the HSE's parliamentary affairs division and the long delay that ensues, there is no such——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Sorry, a Theachta, this does not arise on the Order of Business.
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I will be on Question Time later this afternoon. The Deputy can ask me then.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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May I suggest in good faith and in a spirit of co-operation that parliamentary questions that are——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Tánaiste on the legislation in question.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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If I could finish the damn question for one moment. It is bad enough the Leas-Cheann Comhairle's office dumping these parliamentary questions back at Members. I am asking a simple question. Can a facilitation be put in place so a parliamentary question can be channelled directly to the Road Safety Authority and we can have some practical co-operation in the House?
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I will send the Deputy the address and he can write to the Road Safety Authority directly.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy Ó Caoláin, this is not Question Time. If there are issues about parliamentary questions, you may raise them with the Ceann Comhairle's office.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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It is all about the ordering of business and all we have is disorder. It is a waste of time.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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In support of Deputy Ó Caoláin——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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We cannot have a debate on what is and is not in order.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Like the Deputy, I have a sheaf of questions for the National Roads Authority .
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That might be worthy but we cannot have a debate on the issue on the Order of Business.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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The reality is that the Minister for Transport is not reporting on behalf of the National Roads Authority to the House. That is a serious gap in the work of this House. The Ceann Comhairle——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is a matter of legislation.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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No, it is your business, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Chair does not interpret law. It complies with Standing Orders.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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The Ceann Comhairle undertook to reform the system so that the Minister for Transport would be able to report on all aspects of transport policy to the House. I commiserate with the Minister, Deputy Noel Dempsey, having to remain in the Department of Transport.
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The only commiseration is I still have to face Deputy Broughan.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Reporting on policy is what happens in every other parliament. Deputy Ó Caoláin has a valid point. It is your responsibility, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, to move this forward.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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On a point of order——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy, the Chair is responding to the last issue. The House established the National Roads Authority .
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The House set the legal framework within which it operates. It is in the hands of the House to change the law. In the interim——
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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On a point of order——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Will the Deputy please allow the Chair to speak? In the interim, the Chair, as well as every Member, is bound by the law. Deputy Durkan, do you have a genuine point of order?
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I support Deputies Ó Caoláin and Broughan on this issue. There is increasing evidence in the past six weeks of the——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is not a point of order. I call Deputy Michael D. Higgins.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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——refusal of Ministers to answer parliamentary questions on the basis that they concern matters which are not their responsibility.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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On a point of order——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Will the Deputy please take his seat? You have made the point that you are concerned about the way parliamentary questions are answered. That is not a point of order.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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If there has been a change in the House's procedure, then it is a point of order. Previous speakers have set out what is happening. We as Members of Parliament object strongly to that trend.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It is in the hands of the House to change Standing Orders or the law.
Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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How can we when the Government has a majority?
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It is not about changing the law at all.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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A response is due to this Deputy.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I call on the Tánaiste to respond to Deputy Ó Caoláin's question on legislation.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The nurses and midwives Bill will be available in 2009. The other issue is not in order but the Labour Relations Commission has been most anxious to facilitate discussions.
Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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I wish the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, every good wish in his new appointment and welcome the new Minister.
Will the Government make time available next week to discuss the refusal by the Burmese authorities to allow UN planes and other international aid agencies entry into Burma to address the huge catastrophe that has happened there? I do not suggest we have a set of statements because every Member is in agreement on the tragedy that has occurred. We should seek to have an all-party agreed motion on the significance of the refusal of the Burmese authorities to allow access to international aid agencies and the breach of international law this involves. Will the Tánaiste provide a substantial time slot to address these issues?
The Government facilitated, and to some extent legitimised, the Burmese junta by allowing it access to ASEAN. It is important we acknowledge that was a mistake.
Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I wish the former Minister well in his new appointment and wish the new Minister well.
The Tánaiste will be aware her new boss had a hand in discussions with the Burmese junta when Ireland held the EU Presidency. Will the Taoiseach use the contacts he has to ensure the Irish aid agencies trying to get into Burma get visa waivers?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is there to be a debate on this important issue, Tánaiste?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is concerned about the issue. I am sure after a discussion with the Whips a motion can be agreed upon and debated.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I congratulate the Tánaiste on her new appointment.
Last night, the new Cabinet met for the first time in Áras an Uachtaráin. Was a decision made to permanently defer the outrageous pay increases which the former Cabinet agreed to award itself?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is not in order on the Order of Business.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It is a Government policy. When will we hear about the decision on the pay awards? Is the Government hanging on to the increases which, in the Taoiseach's case of €38,000, is more than what the average industrial worker earns?
Last night, a late announcement from the Department of Education and Science was sneaked out by the Government as the previous Minister left office. Scoil Oisín in the Phoenix Park which only attracted an enrolment of nine children——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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This is not in order on the Order of Business.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Yes, it is. Against all the advice to the former Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, she persisted in recognising the school. There was a U-turn when ministerial appointments were made. Legislation was promised in this area. She refused to recognise the Educate Together school in Carpenterstown which had an enrolment of 60 children.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Tánaiste, is legislation promised in this area?
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The new Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, can shake his head all he likes.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Thank you, Deputy, but I am trying to facilitate a number of other Deputies.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Where is the legislation dealing with the creation of primary schools in new areas?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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There is no promised legislation in this area.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Will the Government recognise the wishes of parents for primary schooling for their children in an Educate Together format?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Will Deputy Burton allow the Tánaiste to respond?
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It is important. The decision was sneaked in last night.
Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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On the same matter, Deputy Burton has raised a crucial point. The Government promised three new schools under the patronage of County Dublin VEC but it is now two new schools. It relates to promised legislation.
Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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It relates to the education patronage Bill. It is yet to be published and will not be enacted before the summer. What will be the legal standing of the two schools that will open their gates on 1 September when the Bill has yet to be introduced to the House?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The legal standing of the schools is not in order on the Order of Business.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The education patronage Bill——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy Burton, please allow the Tánaiste to answer the question.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It has to do with the recognition of an Educate Together school with 60 children.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy Burton, you cannot put a question and then not allow the Tánaiste to answer it.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It also has to do with parents being allowed to send their children to the school they wish.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy, allow the Tánaiste to answer the question that was put.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Preparatory work on the heads of the education patronage Bill is proceeding. On the other issues raised, the Minister for Education and Science can deal with the matters if they are raised through parliamentary questions or on the Adjournment.
Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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We do not share the Tánaiste's confidence.
Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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The legislation will not be published before September.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste has not responded to parliamentary questions in a long time.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I was not bad at answering them.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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I congratulate the Tánaiste. Speaking as a female Deputy, to see her walking behind the Taoiseach yesterday was the only cheerful aspect from the point of view of this side of the House. Unfortunately, I am not in the same position as others in that I cannot congratulate a new Minister in the Department I shadow. We are stuck with "Blame everyone but me" Mary in the Department of Health and Children.
Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy should stop. Her comment was not nice and was uncalled for.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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I am sorry, but that is how it is.
Martin Cullen (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is out of order.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Minister, Deputy Cullen, stands by the Minister, Deputy Harney.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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In the context of severe cutbacks——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is there a question relevant to the Order of Business?
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Yes, it is in the context of a €95 million overrun in the HSE's budget for this year and inevitable cuts across the board. Will the Tánaiste stand over the cuts or will a Supplementary Estimate be introduced by the Minister for Health and Children? It must be one or the other.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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No legislation is promised. The matter is not in order.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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In real terms, the budget has reverted to the position of the late 1980s. Is the Tánaiste standing over the cutbacks?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy should allow Deputy Sheehan to put his question.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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No legislation has been promised.
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Sheehan will definitely be in order.
P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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As the Tánaiste has discarded her wellington boots in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food——
Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Her designer wellington boots.
P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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——and put on her new boardroom shoes in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, when will the company law consolidation and reform Bill be introduced?
Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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That is all they are discussing in Cork.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank Deputy Sheehan for his kind remarks. I have moved from designer wellingtons, but I will loan them to him if he is stuck for a pair. The Bill is substantial and we are not in a position to indicate when it will be before the House.
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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I wish to be associated with the words of congratulation to the Tánaiste. She leaves the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the agricultural community at a time of concern due to the Mandelson proposals in respect of the World Trade Organisation talks. When she met Commissioner Mandelson in her previous capacity recently, did she convey the Government's willingness to invoke the veto to defend a vital national interest?
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Cawley report is the Government's blueprint for revitalising the fisheries sector. In the context of the Commission's rejection of the operational programme for fisheries, where does the report stand?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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This matter is not in order on the Order of Business.
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The operational programme for fisheries has been rejected by the European Commission. There are three Departments involved, including the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, and the issue arises due to Ireland's failure to implement relevant EU legislation.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That matter seems suitable for a parliamentary question.
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Will the Tánaiste convene a meeting of the three Departments involved? This also has implications for rural development.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It is not in order on the Order of Business.
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Will she ensure that the programme is finalised as quickly as possible so that investment in the sector, as envisaged in the Cawley report, can proceed?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It is suitable for a parliamentary question.
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Will the Tánaiste respond to the question on the WTO talks and her meeting with Commissioner Mandelson?
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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In the Tánaiste's previous incarnation, she spoke often about a balanced deal.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am trying to accommodate a number of Deputies who have indicated.
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Now that the Tánaiste is the trade Minister, perhaps she will give the House more information about her definition of a balanced deal.
Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Obviously, she has taken off the wellingtons.
Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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And put on the steel-capped boots.
Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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While I congratulate the Tánaiste on her elevation, her passion for fashion in recent days will cost the women of the country a fortune.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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This is not relevant to the Order of Business.
Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Regarding the merchant shipping miscellaneous provisions Bill——
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It was a good opener.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Yes. I had hoped that we would get there.
Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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——which proposes to provide enabling powers for maritime safety, I urge the Tánaiste to use her good offices to have a word in the Minister for Transport's ear to maintain services and jobs in her and my corners of the country, namely, at the Malin Head and Valentia Island Coast Guard stations.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Legislation is promised for later this year.
Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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While I congratulate the Tánaiste and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, I particularly congratulate the Chief Whip, Deputy Pat Carey, a northsider who has been elevated. For a while, we believed that we would be wiped out, but it is good to see that——
Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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No, that was the southsiders.
Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Poor old Dublin is on the rack. While I will not ask anything relating to the Department of Finance on the Minister's first day, I will ask a question about the road traffic Bill. This week, I was appalled to read that 33,000 speeding drivers got off scot free because they claimed that they did not receive notices. There is a question of responsibility because legislation passed by the House is not being enforced properly.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Does the Deputy have a question?
Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The road traffic Bill has been promised and Deputy Broughan and others have commented on a lack of accountability in the House. Who will take responsibility for the fact that enforcement——
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is a parliamentary question for the Minister for Transport.
Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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——in respect of speeding, one of the key killers on our roads, is collapsing? A promised Bill will add further to the legislative burden whereas the current legislation is not being enforced. There is an issue of responsibility and the Cabinet should be accountable.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The road traffic Bill will be available at the end of the year.
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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What will be done about the 33,000 speeding fines?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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They will be addressed once the Bill is enacted.
Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I want to be associated with the warm words of congratulations to my county colleague, the Tánaiste, whom I wish well. It is a testament to her ability to represent County Donegal, which I hope continues, and the tradition within the Coughlan family. I hope to see bonfires in Mount Charles tonight.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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If the Deputy goes home that way, he will be in the wrong constituency.
Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I look forward to her referring to Milford, Inishowen and Letterkenny when making large job announcements.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am sure the Deputy will be in order any minute now.
Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Will the Tánaiste exert pressure on the new Minister for Foreign Affairs relating to next week's Champions League final?
Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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There is a waiver on visas for British supporters. I do not know whether there are many Chelsea supporters in Ireland, but there are many Manchester United supporters.
Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Will the Tánaiste discuss with the Minister for Foreign Affairs the question of a waiver for Irish supporters?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It would be an excellent parliamentary question, but it is not in order on the Order of Business.
Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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It would not be answered in time for next Wednesday's final.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy can communicate directly with the Minister.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As a Liverpool supporter, I will not be in attendance.
Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I am a Liverpool supporter speaking on behalf of Manchester United supporters.
Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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If the former Taoiseach was still in charge, he would be in attendance.
Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
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Ba mhaith liom comhghairdeas ó chroí a dhéanamh le mo chomhghleacaí ón dáilcheantar, an Tánaiste, ar a ceapachán. Is onóir mhór di agus do Dhún na nGall go bhfuil post chomh sinsearach sin insan contae againn. Guím gach rath uirthi. Anois, an féidir leí insint dúinn cén uair a bheidh Bille Údarás na Gaeltachta á phlé sa Dáil?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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An féidir libh fanacht ar feadh bomaite?
Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Beidh sí ann le píosa fada.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Gabhaim buíochas le mo chomhghleacaithe as ucht an méid a bhí le rá acu agus as chomh cairdíúil agus atá siad. Is pribhléid mór dom í go bhfuil mé ag obair le comhghleacaithe mar an Teachta McGinley agus an Teachta McHugh. Bhí an Teachta McHugh ag iarraidh rud éigin uaim ach níl a fhios agam faoi sin ach bhí an Teachta McGinley lán dáiríre. Níl a fhios againn ag an am seo cén uair a bheidh an Bille sin réidh, ach beidh mé ag caint leis an fhoras mar gheall air.