Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is proposed to take No. 8, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996, back from committee; No. 8a, Finance (No. 2) Bill 2008 — allocation of time motion for select committee; No. 8b, Finance (No. 2) Bill 2008 — Financial Resolutions; No. 21, Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 — Report and Final Stages (resumed); No. 22, Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2008 — Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; and No. 20, Nursing Homes Support Scheme Bill 2008 — Second Stage (resumed).

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that Nos. 8, 8a and 8b shall be decided without debate. In the case of No. 8b, Financial Resolutions Nos. 1 to 30 shall be moved together and decided by one question which will be put from the Chair. The proceedings of the resumed Report and Final Stages of No. 21 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 3.30 p.m. today by one question, which will be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Social and Family Affairs.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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There are two proposals to put to the House today. Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 8, 8a and 8b, without debate, agreed?

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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The time allocation motion has only come to my notice now. Effectively, the allocation the Tánaiste is proposing is putting in the first three hours of the debate, which is to run for perhaps 16 hours, most of the things that would be of interest to the committee to tease out. I suggest that fewer sections should be dealt with in the first three hours of debate and that time should be made available to debate sections that otherwise would be guillotined under the allocation of time motion before they are reached.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is the general order acceptable?

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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In terms of the time allocation, the general order is fine but too many sections have been assigned to the first three hours where the bulk of the interest will be, so we will not get to debate many of the Government's proposals.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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It was agreed at the Whips meeting last night. The Whips understood that the spokespersons and the Minister had agreed to the allocation, but I am sure the Tánaiste will agree to changes within that parameter.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I would not have any problem. I think we can deal with that.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Very good, so the general time allocation is agreed.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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We can arrange the process to facilitate the Members' discussions. I will speak to the Minister about it.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is that agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 21, Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 — Report and Final Stages, agreed?

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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It is not agreed.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am opposed to guillotining this matter. The unemployment figures published yesterday show projections for an unemployment rate of up to 12% by the end of next year and into 2010. Is there any intention to further amend this Bill, for example, to facilitate employers who take on new employees next year, so that they will not have to pay PRSI for 2009? As I have often said before, I am opposed to the principle of a guillotine.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Those matters can be discussed during the debate.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Labour Party is also opposed to the guillotine on this Bill. As I understand it, amendment No. 11 of a total of 45 amendments has been reached on Report Stage. As there are many critical issues which affect people on social welfare, I do not believe the Bill should be guillotined.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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As with the other Deputies, I strongly oppose the proposition to guillotine the final passage of this Bill. As Deputy Gilmore has indicated, only 11 of 45 amendments have been addressed at this point. Clearly, these matters are of great importance, so the opportunity should be afforded to all Members to engage properly on the amendments they have tabled. I ask the Tánaiste to extend the time so as to allow the process to conclude naturally.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I cannot agree and we will move the motion.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have three questions for the Tánaiste. Yesterday morning the Minister for Finance gave a strong hint that the national pay deal may be renegotiated. The Taoiseach, in his response to questions here yesterday, said a conclusion would be arrived at in negotiation with social partnership and last night a statement was issued from the Government. The Government is all over the place on this and there is no clarity on the position. Without using jargon, will the Tánaiste say if the national pay deal is set in stone or is up for renegotiation?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy should know that is not an appropriate question for the Order of Business

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The question is in respect of legislation governing these matters and is a matter that affects many people around the country. I would like to know the Government position. Is the deal up for renegotiation or not?

The Bill dealing with the withdrawal of medical cards was dealt with by Government on Tuesday and I understand it will be in the House next week. What are the projected savings of this legislation on the withdrawal of the medical card from over-70s and what is the impact of the deferral of the measure until 1 March 2009, as announced yesterday?

The Taoiseach has briefed, or is in the process of briefing, every leader in Europe on the Government intentions with regard to the Lisbon treaty. There is little point in coming to leaders of the Opposition the day before he goes off to speak to the Heads of Government about his intentions at the Council meeting. In the context of legislation, does the Government intend to bring forward legislation giving effect to the holding of a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The content of legislation is not in order, but legislation on the other matters is. For clarity, what is in order is the timing and tabling of legislation, rather than the content.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The matter is of interest to the Chair.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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In order to progress quickly with the legislative measures before the House today, I will give some very short answers. The national pay deal is not up for negotiation, but there is constant interaction between all members of the Government and the social partners, most particularly in the context of the current economic difficulties.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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So, it is not up for negotiation.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On the second issue, the legislation will be published tomorrow and the issues raised by the Member can be raised on the legislation. In the context of the legislation being finalised in the next number of days within the House, the deferral is a prudent way to deal with and reassure the people concerned.

On the final issue, it was raised yesterday and I undertook to talk to the Taoiseach. He will provide a briefing on Wednesday to the Members opposite. At present there are no proposals for legislation arising from the Lisbon treaty.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste said there is no renegotiation of the national pay deal but that members of the Government are in constant contact with the social partnership. This sends out conflicting messages. I have made my view known about a pay freeze in respect of the national pay deal. Does the Government intend to pay the national pay deal or not?

In respect of the Lisbon treaty, the Tánaiste said there is no intention to introduce legislation giving effect to a second referendum. Am I to take it from that reply that the Government does not intend to hold a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On the social partners and the specific issue of the national pay deal, it is not up for negotiations. However, I am delighted we are in Government because at least the social partners will be fully au fait with the fact that we respect their role.

Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Ask the Green Party about that.

Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The partners in Government are not fully au fait with their role.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Following the flippant way in which the leader of the Opposition treats the social partners, I am sure they will outline their views to him in due course. We have always been of the view that the role of social partners within our economy has been pivotal and will continue to be so. The Taoiseach has met with the congress and IBEC representatives to discuss the current economic situation. I have likewise interacted with them, as have my Ministers of State, on a constant basis.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste did not answer the question.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I did answer the question. The answer is "No". Perhaps the Deputy just does not understand these little words like "Yes" and "No".

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Allow the Tánaiste finish.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On the second situation, there have been no final decisions made on legislation. Therefore, there are no proposals before the House regarding legislation arising from the discussions of the sub-committee. Discussions will take place on Tuesday and there will be further consultations and discussions regarding the outcome of the Lisbon treaty referendum.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste has said——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am anxious to move on. This is the Deputy's third time to speak, but I am anxious to allow other Members speak.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste has suggested I do not understand what is going on. If she wants to impute ignorance to us, fair enough, she is following in the footsteps of her leader. Let me ask again. I know the Government is fully entitled to deal with the social partners with regard to the circumstances in which the nation finds itself. I respect the part that social partnership played in stability and economic growth over the past 20 years.

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

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Irrespective of the discussions that are taking place between the social partners and members of the Cabinet, is the Tánaiste telling me that the Government will pay the national pay deal, as agreed? That is a straight question, requiring a "Yes" or "No" answer.

Second——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Please Deputy, this is your third long series of interventions——

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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No, this is a very straight question.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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——and other Members have entitlements too.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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It is another Question Time.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This is my final question after which I shall sit down.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Bruton ought to be asking such questions.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste and the Government have been speaking about elements of a solution in respect of Lisbon. Is one element of the aforementioned solution the holding of a second referendum or not?

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste should find out the answer to that.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It is important that Members do not allow the Order of Business to become another iteration of Leaders' Questions without a decision of the House to that effect.

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Let the Tánaiste answer the question.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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If Members wish to have more time allocated for Leaders' Questions, the House should order it.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste wants to answer it.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I call the Tánaiste.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There is no legislation proposed on the national pay awards and no legislation is proposed at present to deal with the issues that have arisen from the referendum on Lisbon.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That means there will be.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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That is as much as I can say because that is the present position.

John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste does not know.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am somewhat surprised by the Tánaiste's ambiguous reply to Deputy Kenny on the issue of the national pay agreement. I understood that the Tánaiste, in her capacity as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, was the lead Minister in respect of industrial relations and therefore her response is all the more surprising.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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She has been sidelined.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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It appears the Government does not know whether it is talking to the social partners at all or if it is so doing, what it is talking to them about.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Opposition does not know either. Fine Gael is against it.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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This is supposed to be Deputy Kelleher's job. Are you talking to the social partners?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Through the Chair Deputy.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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This is what you are for Billy.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy, through the Chair.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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There should be a motion of no confidence in the Opposition.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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The Minister of State is a mini-me.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I wish to raise a related matter, namely, the Tánaiste's responsibility for putting through employment law. Incidentally, this is where Deputy Kelleher comes in as well. An horrific "Prime Time Investigates" programme was broadcast this week that outlined the degree of exploitation of workers. I was particularly concerned about the stories presented about people driving trucks for long hours, without breaks and so on. For Deputy Kelleher's information, there is a pile of legislation in this regard. Although the Employment Law Compliance Bill was published nine months ago, it still has not appeared before the House. If the Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with responsibility for labour affairs has nothing better to do, he might try to secure some time from the Chief Whip and bring it before the House. The Employment Law Compliance Bill is intended to put the National Employment Rights Authority, NERA, on a statutory basis in order that it can check and inspect such trucks that are being driven around by people who are overworked and exhausted and so on.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Tánaiste on the Employment Law Compliance Bill.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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There are other similar items, namely, an employment agency regulation Bill and an industrial relations amendment Bill, neither of which have yet been published. The Tánaiste should indicate when this legislation will be brought before the House and when will it be published. If the Minister of State who has direct responsibility for these matters would like to assist the Tánaiste in her reply, I would have no objection to that either.

Another issue I wish to raise pertains to the promise by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, to place a cap or limit on expenditure in local elections. He announced this measure some time ago and I suggested to the Taoiseach that the opportunity should be taken to use the Electoral (Amendment) Bill to bring this forward. In fairness to the Taoiseach, he replied that he thought this was a good idea and indicated that the requisite amendments might be brought forward on Committee Stage of the Electoral (Amendment) Bill. However, Committee Stage has come and gone and the amendments were not made. While the Report Stage debate is due for consideration today, no Report Stage amendments have been tabled by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to introduce a cap on spending limits.

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is not often seen in this House. I am beginning to wonder what he is for. He could not stop the motorway from going through Tara or the incinerator in his own constituency and apparently, he now is unable to get through Cabinet a simple measure he announced months ago to put a cap on expenditure on local elections.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy has asked about two different sets of legislation, the labour legislation and the electoral legislation.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On the issue of the Employment Law Compliance Bill, which has been published, both the Minister of State and I are in final negotiations with the social partners to bring this matter to the House next year.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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That will be a walkover for the social partners.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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We work in co-operation.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is called work in progress. At least the head of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions made a very good decision by marrying a Gweedore woman.

Similarly, in respect of the employment agency regulation Bill, the Government hopes to bring the matter to finality. Extremely difficult issues pertain to bringing both these items of legislation before the House. The preferred option is that agreement on the best possible way on this legislation would be obtained before engaging in further discussions between——

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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In other words, this House is being made redundant.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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No, before the Government brings it before the House.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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At which point it cannot be changed as it has been agreed.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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The Labour Party is in close contact with the social partners.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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However, the views of Members on both sides of the House will be reflected in the context of bringing this legislation to finality.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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When will they be sought?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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As for the industrial relations (amendment) Bill, because the Government wishes to bring both the Employment Law Compliance Bill and the employment agency regulation Bill before the House at the beginning of next year, it will become available later in the year. As for the issue regarding the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government legislation, from what I can ascertain it was not possible to introduce the aforementioned amendment within the Electoral (Amendment) Bill. It is under discussion at present in the Seanad. However, I will ask the Minister to contact the Deputy directly.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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While I note the Tánaiste's reply in respect of the Employment Law Compliance Bill 2008, does she not believe that, following the "Prime Time Investigates" exposure of the abuses in employment practices by a number of unscrupulous employers — God knows how many more have not been exposed — there is a real need to fast-track this legislation——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I believe this question already has been asked.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I am asking the Tánaiste to indicate whether there is the prospect, in the light of all that has been exposed this week——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy, the Tánaiste already has answered that question.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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——to fast-track that legislation.

As for the engagement of the social partners, if the national pay agreement is not being revisited and given what has been stated instead in subsequent commentary by the Government regarding working out a strategy——

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

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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——for economic recovery, Members have heard repeatedly——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Thank you Deputy.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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——that the Government has such a strategy. While I believe it has——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is there anything the Tánaiste wishes to add?

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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——a strategy, it has not shared it with Members. Alternatively, is the Government trying to draft a strategy while engaging with the social partners in respect of same?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Go raibh maith agat, a Theachta. I wish to facilitate a number of Members.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Finally, I wish to raise one item of legislation.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Certainly. I am glad to hear it.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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It is not related to the others, but is of interest to me and there have been a number of inquiries in the recent past regarding No. 34, the animal health and welfare Bill. When does the Tánaiste expect publication of that Bill?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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First, the Employment Law Compliance Bill is to give statutory recognition to an authority which is operating at present and which has an inspectorate, known as NERA. Unfortunately, however, when it comes to the extremely serious issues that were raised about the exploitation of vulnerable workers, which is completely unacceptable, the best defence when supporting people is to have information of good quality. However, it is important to indicate that even though the legislation has not been finalised and passed by this House, NERA has been in operation for a considerable time and additional inspectors have been appointed.

As for the animal health and welfare Bill, it was out for public consultation and the line Department is bringing it to finality at present.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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As the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, has advised Monaghan County Council that the North-South interconnector should run overground——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I know the Deputy shortly will be in order.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Absolutely. When will the electricity (transfer of transmission assets) Bill come before this House in order that Members can discuss this issue?

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Hear, hear.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Second, in light of the fact the HSE has advised personnel to move from Monaghan Hospital to Cavan, and that this will affect the aged especially——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is it a question that is relevant?

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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It is extremely relevant.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is it a question that is relevant to the Order of Business?

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Absolutely.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The issue is of course highly relevant and therefore should be raised in a proper way.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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If you let me, I would have been finished by now. When will the National Council on Ageing and Older People abolition Bill be published?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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What of those two pieces of legislation, Tánaiste?

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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It is abolition, as far as Monaghan Hospital is concerned.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Both pieces of legislation will be taken in the House next year.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, I wish to raise two matters with you. One is a correspondence I received from your office deputising for the Ceann Comhairle, stating that a parliamentary question of mine was out of order. Am I to understand——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy Lynch should come and discuss that directly with my office or the Ceann Comhairle's office.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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On the Order of Business, where Members of this House submit questions——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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There is a procedure. May I explain to Deputy Lynch——

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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It is to do with policy.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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——the normal procedure is that the Deputy would come and talk to the Ceann Comhairle or the Leas-Cheann Comhairle about that.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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But this seems to be a recurring theme. I am now to understand that a matter of policy on the provision of over capacity in waste management in this country and incinerators is not part of the job of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Lynch is correct.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy Lynch might allow the Chair to explain. The Chair simply follows the law as enacted by the Houses. If the Houses transfer functions from Ministers to agencies, the Chair, like everybody else, must respect the law. However, I am happy to discuss that matter with the Deputy. Has he another matter?

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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I will certainly take you up on that offer later today. Am I to understand, in going to that meeting, that policy on waste management is not a function of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government?

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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The Minister could give back his wages.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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When we discuss it I will show Deputy Lynch the advice we have.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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The second matter relates to another parliamentary question. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, received the White Young Green report last week. The understanding was that when he would receive that report, it would be published. Can I ask the Tánaiste will that report be brought before the House? It has been sitting on the Minister's desk for a week. His management of the issue to date leaves much to be desired.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is there a promise to hold a debate on that issue?

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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It was a full week before the Minister came into the House when the story broke the last time.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy Lynch has been given great latitude by the Chair——

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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The document is on his desk for a week and no comment was made.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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——and he should appreciate that.

Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Is the report——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy Lynch has made his point.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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On the same issue——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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There is no same issue now. On the first issue on parliamentary questions——

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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On the same issue——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Which issue?

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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On the issue of Haulbowline and the White Young Green report, there is a serious issue of national importance here, that is, that the cancer registry is showing a remarkable spike——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That might be worthy of a proper debate in that instance.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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——in the Cobh-Haulbowline area. What we are anxious about is that this site needs to be contained and we need the Minister to act forthwith.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Good.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Where is the Minister?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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These are important issues and they should not be simply raised in the way that they are being raised on the Order of Business. They are subjects that are worthy of proper motions and debate. Is there a promise to publish that report or to hold a debate in the House?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am not au fait with——

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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There is.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Allow the Tánaiste.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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——whether or not there is, or if it will be published. I will ask that the offices be in touch with the two Deputies.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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There has been a noticeable increase in the number of pipe-bombs thrown into gardens and used in the pursuit of criminal activity in the past 12 months or so. There is a Bill to replace the Explosives Act 1875 proposed. It should be nearly time to introduce that Bill at this stage in view of the difficulties to which I referred.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It will be published next year and I look forward to its discussion in the House.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Next year. Would the recent spate of pipe-bomb explosions not merit a more urgent response?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It is due next year, is it?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Yes.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Good.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I have two other items——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The House might pay attention to Deputy Durkan.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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——referring to legislation. Apropos of the electoral (amendment) Bill to which Deputy Gilmore referred, might it be possible to further include in it a proposal——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy Durkan may not ask about amendments to a Bill that has not been published.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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——to destroy the electronic voting machines which are currently stored at locations throughout this country——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Has Deputy Durkan a question that is in order?

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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——costing the taxpayer——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Please, Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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——an enormous amount of money at a time when the country cannot afford it?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Deputy Durkan is a long-serving and distinguished Member of the House.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I thank you for that last bit.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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He knows full well that he may not propose on the Order of Business amendments to a Bill that has not even been published.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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But it could be included. Can I conclude?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Has Deputy Durkan something that might possibly be in order?

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I have one other item. Given the noticeable reluctance of the Green Ministers to attend at the Order of Business——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Please, Deputy.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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——could I timorously suggest to them that there is legislation that would come within their remit, that is, the legislation to modernise and consolidate all mineral development legislation?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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What is the Bill?

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed under section B and it is called the minerals development Bill.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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That will be published in the middle of next year.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Next year. Is everything next year? Could something not be produced this year, given our difficult economic situation?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The year is nearly done.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I call Deputy Creed. I must move on shortly.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste will be aware that the World Trade Organisation talks are to resume in Geneva at the end of next week. She will also be aware that, following the collapse of those talks in July, Teagasc has done an assessment which shows that many sectors of the Irish agricultural industry, particularly the beef sector, would be devastated.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Does Deputy Creed have a question?

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Does it still remain Government policy to veto any World Trade Organisation deal that would seriously and adversely impact on the Irish agricultural sector?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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That is not an appropriate question for the Order of Business. It would be a good question, either for Leaders' Questions or a parliamentary question to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Will the Tánaiste clarify that such remains Government policy? There has been much talk about that deal. It means thousands of people being forced out of business. Is that Government policy?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I call Deputy Burton.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste was one of the negotiators.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is not relevant.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Please try to be in order on some matters.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Is there no veto?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Let Deputy Burton put her question.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Some months ago the Taoiseach indicated that the Tánaiste would talk to the National Consumer Agency about the issue of price reductions in respect of sterling being passed on to consumers in the Republic. We were to get a report back to the Dáil. Since then the situation has become even worse. I am sure the Tánaiste is aware that in her constituency in Donegal people are streaming across the Border to buy their Christmas shopping in Derry and other parts of the North because in the Republic, never mind the 6.5% VAT differential, we also have a continuing situation where retailers and chains are not——

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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A relevant question to the Order of Business.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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We were promised a report on this.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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They were not.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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In May, the Taoiseach had a word, as the House will recall, in the ear of the Tánaiste to get on to the National Consumer Agency. We have heard nothing since.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is there a debate or a report promised on this matter?

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Irish consumers are leaving. Can we have a debate?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is there a debate promised?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am not aware of one. That is a matter for the Whips. There is no problem.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Second, in the budget the National Consumer Agency was apparently to merge with the Competition Authority. Could we have information on what has happened with that dalliance, marriage or get together — whatever it was supposed to be?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is there legislation or a debate promised in that area?

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Has it happened?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There is legislation promised. There will have to be legislation in order to amalgamate the NCA and the Competition Authority. There is no report promised to the House. The Forfás report on the cost of doing business, which is in draft form, will be brought to finality today. I will be discussing with the retailers the issues regarding the sterling differential and prices. I am seriously concerned about the matter, as are all Members of the House, on the basis that every euro spent in Ireland has a direct affect in supporting and sustaining employment within the retail sector in this country.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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The Tánaiste does not seem to be doing much about it.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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However, we also must ensure value for money for our consumers. It is on that basis that it is my expressed view and wish that we provide value for money for our consumers. There is also the sterling differential. There has been a considerable amount of work by myself, the NCA, the Competition Authority and Forfás to deal with these issues.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Is the Tánaiste committing to a debate? There is no evidence in the shops that these price reductions for sterling are being passed on.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I call Deputy Costello. Deputy Burton knows we cannot have a debate about the matter now. I will try to get in the other Deputies.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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A number of bilateral agreements for intercountry adoptions are due for renewal next year but doubts have arisen regarding several of these. We have not put into law the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, which we signed 15 years ago. It was promised that an adoption Bill would be brought with some haste during this session but the Bill has not yet appeared. When is the Bill likely to appear and when will it be implemented?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Tánaiste on the adoption Bill.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Bill has been circulated to Departments for observations. It was the intention to bring it to the House before Christmas but given the amount of legislation which we are currently considering, the view is that it will be brought forward in January.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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New Garda divisional headquarters have been established in various parts of the country. My own county of Longford has been subsumed with County Roscommon into a new regional division based in Mullingar. When can we expect the publication of the Garda Síochána (amendment) Bill?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Next year.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Everything is next year.

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I hope next year will come for all of us.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Mañana, mañana.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Four months ago, a Supplementary Estimate for €12 million was introduced to the House in order to relieve the pressure on health boards arising from nursing home subventions for the elderly. I understand that none of this money has reached the health boards and, because of the derisory sums involved, it will effectively be worth between €14 and €16 per person when it is distributed.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Has the Deputy something relevant?

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Now that the Minister for Finance is sitting beside the Tánaiste, I ask him to introduce a supplementary budget in order to relieve the pressure on families.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is a supplementary budget promised?

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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No Supplementary Estimate is promised. The nursing homes legislation is before the House.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I am not referring to that legislation. The €110 million set aside for the legislation has never been spent. Of this amount, €12 million was supposed to be given to health boards but the money has not come through.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I am sure the Deputy will make her point when Bill is discussed in the House.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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People are being put to the pin of their collars to ensure their elderly parents, aunts and uncles are treated properly but the Government has abandoned them.