Dáil debates
Thursday, 20 November 2008
Order of Business
10:30 am
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is proposed to take No. 3, the Arbitration Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed); No. 28, Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed); No. 24, statements on the report of the joint committee's contribution to the European Commission on its White Paper on Integration of EU Mortgage Credit Markets, COM (2007) 807; and No. 23, statements on the special report on new EU legislation, 1 January to 30 June 2008, and the order shall not resume thereafter.
It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 24 shall be taken at 12.30 p.m. today and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 1.30 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply: the opening statement of the Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Affairs and of the main spokespersons for the Government, the Labour Party and Sinn Féin, who shall be called upon in that order, shall not exceed ten minutes in each case, the statements of each other Member called upon shall not exceed ten minutes in each case and Members may share time; and the proceedings on No. 23 shall be taken at 1.30 p.m. and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 3.30 p.m. and the following arrangements shall apply: the opening statement of the Chairman of the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny and of the main spokespersons for the Government, the Labour Party and Sinn Féin, who shall be called upon in that order, shall not exceed ten minutes in each case, the statements of each other Member called upon shall not exceed ten minutes in each case and Members may share time.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are two proposals to put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 24 agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 23 agreed to?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I do not object to it but I wish to give a pointer to the Tánaiste. This report comes from the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny. The Government elevated what was a sub-committee to full committee status, which I strongly support. This report is one of a series of reports that are absolutely critical to the way this House of Parliament deals with its interaction with Europe on behalf of our citizens.
The people of Ireland voted recently in a referendum on the Lisbon treaty. Many people said they did not understand what was in the treaty. The Joint Committee on European Scrutiny has the potential, if properly resourced and given the space and time in this House and other locations, to be able to explain to people what Europe is about and how it impacts on us. Other reports will come from the Joint Committee on European Scrutiny and I expect they will be given proper time for full discussion and debate in this House because it is so important that we are not isolated, but rather that we are central to that process.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I believe the Whips have agreed that there will be a monthly debate that will address the issues raised.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the proposal for dealing with No. 23 agreed? Agreed. I call Deputy Kenny on the Order of Business.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have a number of questions for the Tánaiste. There are reports in all the media outlets today of the Minister for Finance calling in the heads of the banks for discussions. In the past 24 hours, my office has been contacted by five small businesses that will not be in existence in the next three weeks unless there is some easing of the tightness that exists for credit lines at the moment. Will the Tánaiste indicate when we can expect an announcement from Government, and what form it will take, with a view to the recapitalisation of the banking system in whatever form the Government decides so that business can be conducted and lines of credit can be eased?
The Dáil will sit for 12 days between now and Christmas. During that period, we will see a brutal assault on Irish families through the Finance Bill, the legislation to deal with medical cards, the Social Welfare Bill, which makes an attack on jobseekers benefit, and the health insurance programme announced yesterday. When will the medical card legislation come before the House? Is the Government running scared of bringing in the legislation or where is it?
An announcement was made yesterday by the Minister for Health and Children about health insurance. We are all aware that risk equalisation was struck down by the Supreme Court earlier this year and that it made recommendations to the Government on how matters should proceed. Will the Tánaiste state when it is proposed to have risk equalisation legislation and outline the preparatory work being done thereon? Yesterday's announcement by the Minister for Health and Children was confusing. In the notes appended to the statement the relief was referred to as a tax credit, but in the statement itself reference was made to a tax relief. Is it a tax credit or tax relief?
It seems the Government, including the Minister for Health and Children, has announced a levy on the health insurers, to be paid for by the customer when the insurers increase their premiums. Is this the case? Has the Government had discussions on this with the VHI, which is dominant in the market and which has high overhead costs? In many cases, there are poor contracts. Has the Government had discussions with the insurers on increases in medical insurance premiums that will be passed on to the customer to pay for the levy the Minister is imposing on the insurers? This is with a view to protecting community rating, which is underpinned by risk equalisation and which has been in evidence for so long.
I saw a report that stated some hope or relief is being offered to the people in that the Taoiseach apparently announced yesterday to the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party that he has a plan for the nation.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Under Standing orders——
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I believed this was announced with the budget.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot have a discussion on every item.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Ten thousand are being put on the unemployment list per month.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Tánaiste to reply on the matters Deputy Kenny has raised.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Government tried to take medical cards from the over-70s.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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That is Deputy Richard Bruton's brief.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It imposed a 1% levy and attempted to introduce a change to the categorisation for disability payments.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Tánaiste, on the legislative proposals.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Where is the Taoiseach's plan? Where is the Taoiseach himself?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Tánaiste, on the legislative proposals.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There was a considerable number of questions.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Tánaiste to deal with the legislative proposals.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On the financial issues, the Finance Bill will be available at 3 p.m. today.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Those matters can be discussed in the context of the debate.
The health legislation will be ready within the next two weeks.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It has been cleared by the Government so, within the next two weeks——
Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We could be on the road next week.
Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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We will make sure we will not.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It will take some considerable time for the risk equalisation legislation to be brought forward.
Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It will be the first time in a month.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is in that context that the decision was made by the Government on the health insurance initiative. The Leader of the Opposition asked me to clarify whether a credit or relief is proposed. It is a tax relief in the form of credit.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot discuss the content of the legislation now.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Everybody will get it.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is it a tax credit or tax relief?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot discuss the content of the legislation now.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Everyone will get it regardless of whether——
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is it a tax credit, which is worth more than a relief?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A tax relief is in itself a tax relief and therefore it is a tax relief in the form of a credit. It will be passed on through the premium——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Kenny is well aware that there are other ways of raising that matter.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Tánaiste has offered so the Deputy is entitled to clarification, but we must move on.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There is a difference between a tax credit and a tax relief. Which is it?
Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Kenny should ask Deputy Richard Bruton. He will explain it to the Deputy.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is it a tax credit or a tax relief?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The legal interpretation is that it is a tax relief measure in the form of a tax credit.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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So it is a tax credit, which gives the full amount.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I can only say——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We should not be discussing this.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It can be discussed in due course.
James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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That is not what the Department of Finance says.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy does not want to be asking the Minister for Health and Children to clarify that. It is a question of tax credits and not of tax relief.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We should not be discussing that now. I call Deputy Gilmore.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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With regard to the risk equalisation legislation and the health insurance announcement made yesterday by the Minister for Health and Children, I understood the Tánaiste said the legislation would take some time to prepare. The Minister for Health and Children stated yesterday it would be presented before the end of the year. Will the Tánaiste clarify when we are likely to see it?
If it is to take some time for the legislation to be prepared, when is it likely to take effect? The Minister for Health and Children gave the impression yesterday that it would be effective from the beginning of next year. Families are considering what their health insurance bill is likely to be next year. The proposal is such that the health insurance bill of a couple with three children will increase by approximately €500. Such families will want to know when the legislation is likely to take effect. This should be clarified.
With regard to the meeting the Minister for Finance is having today with the heads of the banks, is it intended that he will inform the House after the meeting of its outcome? Is it anticipated that any developments will arise from that meeting between now and next Tuesday, when the Dáil is due to sit again? Are there plans arising from the meeting to recall the House between now and next Tuesday? Will there be any changes made to the business scheduled for next week arising from the meeting between the Minister and the banks?
Approximately 700 summonses for speeding have been struck down on the grounds that the by-laws were not published in Iris Oifigiúil.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is legislation promised in this area?
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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There is. There is a road safety Bill.
Will the Tánaiste clarify whether the summonses were struck down on the grounds that the by-laws were not published in Iris Oifigiúil?
Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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That was not Fianna Fáil councillors. There were plenty of Labour councillors involved.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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What is the position on those with penalty points?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a matter for Question Time.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy asked about the road safety Bill. I know the Deputy is very creative but there is a limit even to my imagination.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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It has been known that the Ceann Comhairle has been driven fairly fast himself.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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There is no point in fighting old battles on distant battlefields.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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To clarify the issue, the Government health insurance initiative will entail legislative proposals, which will be brought to the House. The date of which we speak is 1 January 2009.
The other legislation raised by Deputy Kenny is a new risk equalisation Bill arising from the Supreme Court decision. Our legal advice suggests it will be some considerable time, at least two years, before the legislation, which is to be based on a risk equalisation model, will be introduced to the House.
Emmet StaggMary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I hope this clarifies the matter. We are concerned with two Bills and perhaps we will try to stick to one at a time.
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Bring a new Government in.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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With regard to confidential meetings involving the Minister for Finance, if they are confidential there is no intention of discussing them in public.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Do not worry about them.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There is no intention to recall the House.
It is a matter for Fingal County Council to deal with the matter of the speeding fines. There is no legislation proposed arising therefrom.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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With regard to the idea of the Minister for Finance having confidential meetings with the banks, I remind the Tánaiste that it is now our money that is supporting the banks.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot talk about the banks this morning.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Minister for Finance——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Unfortunately Standing Orders do not allow Leaders' Questions this morning.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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——may be having a private meeting with the banks but it is a matter of public of interest and public business.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot discuss private functions and meetings this morning. I must move on.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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When will we hear from the Minister for Finance about the outcome of the meeting?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Gilmore will have to find another way of raising that because it is not in order.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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On the health legislation, the Tánaiste has now clarified there are to be two Bills, the first of which will affect health insurance premiums in the short term. Do I understand correctly from the Tánaiste that this legislation will be before the House and that it will be put through before the end of the year? Is that the position?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is that the position?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It will take effect from 1 January. It requires EU approval and it will be a matter for the Government to determine whether we enact that legislation prior to the Commission's approval. That decision has not yet been finalised. There is a methodology by which we can pass legislation and withhold its enactment. One way or another, it will be retrospective to the first day of January 2009. That is the absolute clarity of it. It will take form on that date.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I will follow that for a little, if I may.
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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It is hard to follow.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Will the publication of the Bill occur before Christmas?
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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However, the Government does not expect to enact it before Christmas. Is that the case?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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We could enact it but——
Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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At least the Government has an intention.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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We can enact the legislation, but the view is that it would be more appropriate not to commence legislation until such time as the Commission gives clarity on the issues.
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Keep it for Easter.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Ceann Comhairle will know that it takes some time for the Commission to make such determinations. It takes two months.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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How will it come into effect on 1 January?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The enactment of the legislation is not a matter for the Order of Business. The Deputy may put a question concerning when the Bill will be published. The Tánaiste has explained when it will be published and the question of the enactment is for a later date, as the Deputy well knows.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As I understand it, the issue here is that the Government proposes that health insurance premiums will be changed on 1 January. What the Tánaiste is saying, in effect, is that this apparently will be done without statutory authority. A Bill will be published. Presumably, it will contain a date. It will not necessarily be enacted but the insurance premiums will be changed.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The commencement of the legislation is not an issue.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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This concerns an issue that has been before the courts on a number of occasions.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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We now have this situation and it is reasonable to discuss it because people whose health insurance premiums are going to be changed next year will have a higher health insurance payment. The Government states that they will have to pay it from 1 January next year. It also states, first, that legislation will not be enacted to give authority to that measure, and, second, we may not even know what the view of the European Commission will be on the matter. That is a very unclear situation and we are entitled to get some clarity on it.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will ask the Tánaiste to clarify the situation.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I will clarify the situation on the basis that the leader of the Labour Party is now trying to entangle things that have nothing to do with this legislation.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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That is unfair. Deputy Gilmore is clear. The Tánaiste is not.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The matter of a premium is a matter for the companies involved.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is not dictating the premium that must be paid. We will introduce legislation arising out of the Government health insurance initiative. The European Commission must clarify this, which will take two months. It will be retrospective to 1 January if we decide not to enact prior to the Commission giving its signature. That is possible in this type of legislation — it is similarly so with the Finance Bill. It is not criminal legislation. The Government will decide whether to enact the legislation prior to the Commission's determination. It would probably be sensible to await the outcome of the Commission deliberations, but it is the Government's intention to publish the legislation prior to Christmas.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Before the House goes any further with this matter——
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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On the same matter, the provision that was outlined——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I did not call on Deputy Burton.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Burton was not called at all. I ask her to hold on.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy was not called. I never called her.
James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Since the 1980s, some 14,000 farmers have planted over 225,000 hectares of forestry but the current levels of afforestation have fallen considerably.
James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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There is a significant threat to forestry at present.
James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Will the Tánaiste fast-track the Forestry (Amendment) Bill to cater for this sector?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The forestry legislation will be brought in next year.
P J Sheehan (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste cannot see the wood for the trees.
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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In light of the fact that area payments were reduced in the budget, and that since last night single payments are to be reduced also, when will there be a full debate on agriculture in the Dáil? Can we use the opportunity of the Animal Health and Welfare Bill to debate this area? We certainly have the welfare of farmers to consider.
In light of the ongoing situation with regard to health structures as a whole, can we find out who is actually eligible for treatment and in which hospital? When will the matter of eligibility of health and personal and social services be brought in?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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In two minutes.
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Concerning discussions of the VHI, I noticed that the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, was able to go to Cork to open a private hospital——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I cannot take that matter now.
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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——last week. Would she come up and see the structures that are there——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy may speak on the legislative proposals.
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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——in Cavan and Monaghan and let us have a public facility to use, rather than go completely private?
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy's colleagues were there. Deputy Deirdre Clune was there.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I do not care who was there. We will continue on the legislative proposals.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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We are not clear as to when that legislation will take place——
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Is Deputy Bannon against private hospitals?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am taken aback that Deputy Crawford did not take the opportunity to congratulate his constituency colleague on the fine work he did on behalf of the farmers of Ireland in the negotiations.
James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The farmers are not impressed. When will the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Smith, be brought to the House to account for the pick-pocketing of farmers?
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Government is making a skit of the farmers in this country.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There will be additional milk quota in the Deputy's constituency.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call on Deputy Kathleen Lynch.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Kathleen Lynch is in order.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will be quiet.
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Will the Tánaiste confer with the Minister for Health and Children, who is sitting next to her, and ask her to withdraw the increase now being implemented for people with intellectual disability in long-stay care——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The question must be in order; otherwise, it must be struck down.
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Their charges have been increased by €30 a week——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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A parliamentary question from Deputy Lynch——
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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——when their increase in social welfare payment was €6 a week.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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——or a question for the Adjournment debate, or a special notice question — there are several ways to raise this matter, but this is not it.
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Their charges for long-stay care have now been increased by €30.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does Deputy Lynch have a question on the Order of Business?
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I promise the Ceann Comhairle that I will sit down because I do not intend to disrupt the House. Every morning Deputies stand up here with requests for an Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 32, which are always refused.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is correct.
Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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There are some issues which are worthy of being granted and this is one of them.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I must definitely move on.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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I return to the insurance legislation. It appears that the Government is walking us into a legal minefield. We are to be asked to pass retrospective legislation prior to permission from the EU Commission.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a matter for Second Stage.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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The Government is likely to lose many more backbenchers if we are to be asked to do this——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy must be in order. It is 11 a.m.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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If the legislation already in place was struck down by the courts——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does the Deputy have a question on the legislation?
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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——I cannot imagine that this will ever stand up.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does the Deputy have a question on the legislation?
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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I would like clarity from the Tánaiste as to what is the Government's intention. Are we to be asked to pass legislation prior to the approval of the EU Commission, without any idea of whether it is going to be enacted?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Let us be clear. It is not really fair to look for this type of detail. It is more appropriate for a parliamentary question, as the Deputy knows well. It is not possible to answer all these questions, which are more appropriate to the line Minister. They are not appropriate for the Tánaiste on a Thursday morning during the Order of Business, as Deputy O'Sullivan well knows.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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I am asking about promised legislation.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I know the Deputy knows this.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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The Tánaiste has just promised this, on the Order of Business, and if she could clarify——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy must tell us when the next station is coming.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Tell us one more time.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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We are elected public representatives and we will be asked to vote——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Tell us one more time, this time with feeling.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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——for or against this legislation.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Does the Ceann Comhairle want a warm one or a cold one?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In normal circumstances, I do not like reading out what is going to be said but I shall do it again now, for the fifth or sixth time.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Tánaiste must not be provocative and should just say what she has to say.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The measures announced yesterday will require new health legislation. It is our aim to publish and present this to the Oireachtas for enactment before the end of the current session. It is also the case that the implementation of these measures requires the approval of the European Commission competition directorate. A formal notification has been made and in the normal course, the Commission will deliver its decision early in the new year.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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In that case, the Government will not receive approval before proceeding with the measures.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I wish to raise two points, the first of which is on the announcement made by the Minister for Health and Children in the company — appropriately — of the Minister for Finance that tax allowances would be made available on an ascending scale in respect of additional payments for health insurance by people aged over 50 years.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The issue is not in order.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It is in order. I want to know when the measure will be legislated for. As a tax measure, will it be included in the Finance Bill or will we, as many of us expect, have another Finance Bill in——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is legislation promised in that area?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is the same legislation.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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As the Deputy is aware, it is not permitted to be argumentative on the Order of Business.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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If the Opposition wants to write the legislation that is fine but I have given an answer. The Minister for Health and Children will take questions in the House next week if Deputies want to raise questions.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I wish to raise a second point.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I have no difficulty with the Deputy raising ten points provided they are in order.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Ceann Comhairle confirmed yesterday, during a discussion with another Deputy, that my second point is in order. Will the Government provide time for a debate on the powerless position in which the banks find themselves and the fact that taxpayers are guaranteeing——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a matter for the Whips.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Ceann Comhairle indicated yesterday that it was in order to ask for a debate.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, Deputy Stagg said it was in order, which is a different matter.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Minister for Finance is averse to appearing in the House because he is afraid. May we ask other members of the Government to arrange a debate on the banks?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Burton will, in due course, have ample opportunity to discuss the Finance Bill with the Minister for Finance. I call Deputy Shatter.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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If Deputy Burton had her way, the banks would not be around.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Shatter.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I do not wish to shout over my colleagues.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I concur. There should be no hurling on the ditch.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In 1999, the Children First child protection guidelines were announced and put in place. These are non-statutory guidelines designed to ensure a uniform approach is taken to dealing with the problems of children at risk and investigation of reports of children at risk. At the end of July, the Office of the Minister for Children published a review which confirmed that our child protection services are totally dysfunctional and the guidelines are not being uniformly applied.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy may not make a Second Stage speech on the Order of Business.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I am coming to the point, Sir. We know there are hundreds of children reported to be at risk whose cases have not been investigated. Does the Government have plans to make the Children First child protection guidelines mandatory, giving them statutory effect and ensuring their uniform application?
In the context of promised legislation, specifically No. 11, the child care Bill, I ask the Tánaiste to ensure that children who are at risk are protected before we have another tragedy. Will she ensure the Children First guidelines are made mandatory to force the Health Service Executive to comply with them?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Minister to confine her remarks to the child care Bill and legislative provisions, if promised, related to the other matter the Deputy raised.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, the Ombudsman for Children, having carried out a preliminary examination of the matter, indicated publicly today that she will decide whether further investigation is required. We will await the outcome of that process, after which a decision can be made.
On the child care Bill——
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I do not normally interrupt the Tánaiste but she has alluded to my concern. The Ombudsman for Children appears to be re-investigating a matter which has already been confirmed in the Department's review, namely——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot discuss content. The Deputy will have to wait until the legislation comes before the House.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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——that the guidelines are not being complied with. I want to ensure the Ombudsman for Children's investigation does not become an excuse for inaction by the Government because children's lives are at risk.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is out of order. The matter can be raised in another manner.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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A process is under way. The Ombudsman for Children will make decisions and the matters will be addressed in the child care Bill. It is intended to introduce the child care legislation this session.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Will the Bill make the guidelines mandatory?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot discuss the content of the legislation. The Deputy has raised a question, which has been answered, and I will not go further with the matter.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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In recent days, we have observed in England circumstances in which a young child lost its life due to the child care system being dysfunctional. Our child care system has been dysfunctional for decades under this Government.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask Deputy Reilly, who will speak next, to stay in order, if possible.
James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I shall do my best with the assistance of the Ceann Comhairle.
I seek clarification on the pending legislation. The Tánaiste indicated that the measure announced yesterday was a tax relief provided in the form of a tax credit. When I telephoned the Department of Finance this morning, I was informed that the tax relief would be provided at the applicable rate, either 20% or 41% of the relevant sum.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy may not raise the issue on the Order of Business.
James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Tax credits are given for the full sum and are, therefore, worth more than tax reliefs.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should ask about an issue that is an order.
James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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This is important because people are confused. Why is this legislation being introduced? Are we being prepared for a serious hike in premia at a time when the VHI is making profits of more than €100 million and community rating is still in place?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will have to raise the issue in another way.
James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Given that community rating is still in place, premia cannot be raised solely on the basis of age.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot have a Second Stage speech.
Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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How many 80 year olds want——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Do not mind 80 year olds.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Thankfully, I am much younger than that. At this time of fluctuation on the international financial markets, I was pleased and reassured to note that the Government has a better regulation agenda and has promised legislation to consolidate and modernise financial services legislation. In view of the current international and national financial position, is it not advisable to introduce the legislation as a matter of urgency, with a view to generating debate and giving reassurance as to the Government's intentions in this area?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The financial services legislation relates to building societies and will be taken next year. It has not been determined when the consolidation Bill will be brought before the House.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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That is not the Bill to which I referred, which was No. 52.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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If the Deputy knows the answer, why is he asking the question?
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It would also help if the Government knew the answer.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I answered the question. It has not been determined when the consolidation Bill will be brought before the House.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy knows well that the Tánaiste answered the question.
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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On the CAP health check which was finalised in Brussels last night——
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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This does not sound promising.
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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——will the Tánaiste arrange for the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Deputy Brendan Smith, to come before the House at the earliest possible date to account for the important decisions made at last night's meeting?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a matter for the Whips.
Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Will the Government make time available to hold a debate at the earliest possible date?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As is always the case, if the Deputy wants a debate, his party Whip can discuss the issue with the Government Whip.
Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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Last Thursday, the Tánaiste stated recapitalisation of the banks was not necessary at this time. The Taoiseach now believes the recapitalisation option needs to be considered. I support Deputy Burton's call for a debate in the House.
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a matter for the Whips.
Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
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This is the most serious issue facing business. Has the Tánaiste changed her mind since she spoke in the House last Thursday and, if so, why?
John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We must move on as the issue has been discussed. I have adjudicated on the matter and do not propose to make an exception for the Deputy.