Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is proposed to take No. 4, Financial Services (Deposit Guarantee Scheme) Bill 2009 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and that business shall be interrupted on the adjournment of Private Members' business, which is No. 73 – motion re unemployment, to be taken for 90 minutes at 7 p.m., or on the conclusion of No. 4, whichever is the later. The proceedings on Second Stage of No. 4 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7 p.m. tonight.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are two proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal for the Dáil sitting agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No.4 agreed to?

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This is one of five guillotines that is proposed for this week. We find this unacceptable. This Bill deals with the guarantee scheme for individual depositors, but the Minister published a supplementary miscellaneous provisions Bill on Friday evening. From the Dáil schedule, I understand this Bill will come before the House and be guillotined next week. It provides for the bank guarantee to be extended indefinitely by ministerial order from September 2010. This is a very odd way to do business. We have vital business on banking that is being split into two Bills over two weeks and which will both be guillotined. The deposit guarantee scheme is clear enough, because it was discussed before. However, the twin Bill on extending the bank guarantee by ministerial order is not. It is disgraceful to break up these two Bills, and then subject both of them to guillotines.

We have five guillotines on Bills this week. That is simply not acceptable for the scrutiny of this type of legislation. The bank guarantee is the biggest financial undertaking this country has ever undertaken and it is not good enough to subject it to guillotines.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand that apart from Front Bench spokespersons and Ministers, only two or three people have indicated a wish to speak on Second Stage of the Bill. On that basis, we should be able to complete our business for 7 p.m. this evening.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

So there is no need for a guillotine. Why does the Taoiseach not withdraw it?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

All I am saying is that the level of business that is suggested for the Bill, based on the number of people indicating a wish to speak on it, means that we should finish it by 7 p.m.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is no need for the guillotine at all.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Has the Government given consideration to an announcement of an independent inquiry into the activities of Dr. Michael Shine? The Taoiseach is aware that-----

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We cannot go into that now.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am simply asking whether the Government has given consideration to the announcement of an inquiry into the consequences of the activities of Dr. Michael Shine. We are aware that the Medical Council's fitness to practise committee dealt with this over 17 days, between 17 January and 21 July 2008. Since then, other witnesses have come forward to give evidence. It is a most serious case that deserves a most serious response.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It will be dealt with on the Adjournment.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Does the Minister for Health and Children intend to make a statement on the theft of 15 laptops from the HSE?

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Neither matter is in order, as Deputy Kenny knows well.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is, in so far as-----

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is not in so far as anything.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----protocols and the legislation governing this.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Too tenuous by far.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As pointed out by Deputy Naughten, this was due to be reported to the Data Protection Commissioner. Some 580,000 people had their personal details lost in 2008.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Kenny can ask about it on Leaders' Questions tomorrow morning. We cannot deal with it now.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It shows that this organisation, on which we are spending €16,000 million, still has not learned its lesson.

If I may raise something that is in order-----

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Good.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----in the past period, the Government has lost the services and therefore the space of three of their Members, former Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher, the late, lamented Séamus Brennan and the former member of the Progressive Democrats in the Seanad, Senator Ciaran Cannon. Two of those vacancies have been filled by Fine Gael, Senator Cannon and Deputy George Lee. The Government, having lost those three Members, has not given up any space. The Whip, in examining this, proposes to offer space to Deputy Lee in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is great.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is not good enough.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That cannot be discussed on the Order of Business, as the Deputy knows well.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is nowhere else to discuss it.

Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

He could be given the coat room.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach should see that everybody here gets their-----

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy has made his point. The Whips will have to discuss that or the Deputy can meet the Taoiseach about it. I cannot have it on the Order of Business.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----facilities for work.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is not possible.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Lee has a mandate from 28,000 people and the Government intends to hive him off to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Please ask something which is in order so we can move along. I cannot deal with that now so the Deputy can forget about it.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We should get this sorted out for Deputy Lee and Senator Cannon.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am sure the accommodation can be dealt with by the Whips or somebody else.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Whip has already allocated the space of the late Tony Gregory to Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is the amount of harbours in south Dublin.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The new Deputy is to be placed there to extend his level of experience in agriculture.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister is welcome back.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Kenny should ask a question which is in order. I will have to call on Deputy Gilmore.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach might respond.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

He will not, as it is a matter for the Whips.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We cannot have this, as the Ceann Comhairle well knows.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We cannot have this on the Order of Business either.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Tell the Government parties to get it sorted.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Kenny could give Deputy Lee his office.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Whips can discuss the sorting out of accommodation.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An elected Member is being disenfranchised.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There were other issues.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Give him an office.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Several issues were raised.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Three issues were raised.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I did not know about this until Deputy Kenny raised the matter.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Neither did I. That makes two of us.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Ceann Comhairle knows now but is not giving any direction. He should get on and sort it out.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It seems very unfair. Something should be done very soon.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When we are on the other side of the House, we will put the Government parties out on the side of the street.

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have heard that before.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister will not have time to get his briefcase.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is a declaration of war.

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It will never happen.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They will be there along with the laptops.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputies can have that discussion later in the evening.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The report of the commission of investigation-----

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Fianna Fáil can meet in the bar in Buswell's.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In July 2007, the Government approved an extension of a year for the term of the commission of investigation into the sexual abuse of children in the Dublin archdiocese, to report by September 2008. It was established in March 2006. When is it expected to report?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I cannot give a definite time for that as it acts independently of the Government. My understanding is that it is due soon but I do not have a date.

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I also intended to raise the issue mentioned by Deputy Gilmore. Is the Taoiseach in a position to indicate whether the report will be published before the Dáil goes into recess? There were reports that it was to be published either next week or the following week, towards the middle or end of June. Bearing in mind the matter's seriousness, it may have to be discussed again and it would be most unfortunate if it was published immediately following the Dáil going into recess, as we would not be able to address it until next September.

The all-party motion passed last week contained a provision in which the Government agreed it would look at an amendment to the residential redress board legislation to facilitate individuals who were victims of abuse making application for redress to that board in circumstances other than just "exceptional circumstances", as stated in the legislation. When will the Government make a decision on the matter?

As we are here today, a 74-year-old man is in the High Court trying to get the courts to determine his entitlement to have his claim for compensation made through the redress board. Victims of clerical and institutional abuse should not be placed in a position where they must do battle in the courts with the State or a State agency-----

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy has asked his question. He should move to the next one.

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----to have compensation claims addressed. Will the Taoiseach address the matter urgently as it is a simple matter to amend the Bill? Is it intended to make that decision to facilitate the passage of amending legislation in the House before the summer recess? Many people are now affected by the matter and it should not be left over.

Is there an intention on the part of the Government to bring before the House prior to the recess the provisions of a new treaty, which must be approved by this House, between the State and Vietnam with regard to foreign adoptions? There is a substantial difficulty in this area and every Member of this House has met and spoken with distraught people who have been approved for foreign adoption but find themselves in no-man's land.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Taoiseach respond to those three matters?

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They are unable to process their foreign adoptions in circumstances where they will be recognised. There is an urgent need to conclude the discussions with Vietnamese authorities and bring the matter before the House. Will the Taoiseach indicate if that will happen before we go into recess?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not know if that matter will have concluded by then but I know the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, is working hard in that respect with another sovereign government. We are aware of the views and needs of many prospective couples who would like to adopt and the question arises as to whether we can satisfactorily conclude a renewed agreement with Vietnam. Unfortunately, I cannot give any indication as to when that will be, although it is a priority of the Minister of State with responsibility for children and youth affairs.

On the other matter, I do not determine the publication of reports from those acting independently of the Government. I understand the publication will be soon, although I do not know when it will be published. Whenever it is published, it will be discussed in the House in due course.

With regard to the redress board matter, the implementation plan being drawn up is in respect of the recommendations in the Ryan report and issues raised by survivors' groups are also being considered in the context of the discussions we have begun with them.

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The redress board matter was not a recommendation of the Ryan commission. It did not address that issue, which was an agreed matter in the motion before this House. It requires a political decision to-----

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy has made his point

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----introduce a very brief amending piece of legislation to give a new window of opportunity to the victims of abuse to seek redress.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy has had ample opportunity to expand the point.

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is not a matter originally indicated as one-----

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach has answered so I must move on.

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----which the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews, would address. It is a matter of the Cabinet making a decision and I suggest to the Taoiseach that the Cabinet should make that decision and have this important matter addressed in a humanitarian way before we go into recess.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I call Deputy Bruton.

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is agreement across the House on the issue.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy should not have come in again.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is the position of the National Asset Management Agency legislation any clearer at this stage? The interim board has been established, is receiving submissions and progressing with much work. It is unclear when the legislation will come before the Dáil. Will it be before July or will the Dáil be recalled in order to deal with the matter during July? What is the Government's intention at this stage?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister for Finance has indicated that he is dealing with this as a matter of priority. It is an arduous and complex task and he has indicated the possibility of returning in September, if necessary, to put the legislation through the House as well. It depends on the rate of progress by the end of the month.

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The following motion has been on the Order Paper since November last year: "That Dáil Éireann approves the report of the Minister for Defence regarding the services by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2007." When is it proposed to give Government time to debating this motion approving the services given by our Defence Forces to the UN in 2007?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The matter could be discussed with the Whips. There are many priorities as we come to the end of this session. I agree that we should take the occasion at some stage to record the House's appreciation of the tremendous work done by the Army in service in the United Nations, the 50th anniversary of which was celebrated last year.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When will the health (miscellaneous provisions) Bill be taken in the House? Is the Taoiseach aware that County Roscommon is now the only county in Ireland which does not provide enhanced subvention for elderly people? In light of the hardship this causes to a number of families and individuals-----

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

If all Deputies begin this type of questioning, we will be all over the place.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Taoiseach ensure the Minister for Health and Children deals with this issue and that the people of County Roscommon are treated in the same manner as every other citizen?

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I call the Taoiseach on the first issue raised, the one concerning legislation.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand from the Chief Whip that the Bill is ordered for Report Stage.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government has been in negotiations over the past several weeks with the leaders and Foreign Ministers of the other 27 EU member states on the various texts concerning the Lisbon treaty. We hear about them in the media through leaks. Will the Taoiseach brief the House on the state of play with the treaty before he goes to Brussels on Wednesday evening? From what I understand, he intends to sign up to an agreement on a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty by Friday. Considering the matter is being dealt with prior to any direct reference to the House, will the Taoiseach put something on the record of the House about it?

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I do not believe this is in order without a reference to legislation. However, if the Taoiseach wants to be helpful, he may respond.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy knows, the matter is a question of providing texts to the Council conclusions of December last, which have been discussed in the House. The normal process is for the House to discuss the aftermath of a Council meeting.

The specific texts referred to by the Deputy were further discussed this morning and progress has been made on them. Given the nature of these matters, it is not always the case that items are decided in full before a Council meets. That is what we are working towards and various member states have indicated their positions on various aspects of it. We are trying to pull together a position which will have the agreement of all member states. We are continuing to discuss both the substance and status of the texts. It is not logistically possible for me to comply with the Deputy's request. The role of the Executive in this matter is to obtain, in an appropriate format, the legal guarantees set out in the December conclusions and have them incorporated in the June Council conclusions, which can then be debated by the House after our return from the summit.

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Aviation (Preclearance) Bill be fast-tracked through the Dáil before the summer recess, as it has just been passed by the Seanad? It would be timely and important as Shannon Airport could have full preclearance facilities in operation by 29 July and Aer Lingus has reduced its weekly transatlantic flights from 14 to eight. The Government should also use its 25% stake in Aer Lingus to allow the facilities to be put in place.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government's intention all along has been to have the Bill enacted before the summer recess.

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will it come before the House before the summer recess?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is no other way in which it can be done.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In light of recent findings that 64% of the population is either obese or overweight, the third worst rate in Europe, and a report in this morning's newspapers-----

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not sure whether this is in order.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A Cheann Comhairle, you have to let me build up to it. Tá sé ag teacht. Is there pending legislation on food labelling? Fast-food outlets in Ireland have formed an alliance and are not prepared to follow the lead of their UK counterparts in putting a calorie counter on their menus.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A question on the Order of Business must be on specific legislation.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is there planned legislation for food labelling and other nutritional information? I believe it was promised previously for last year.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I know, Deputy, but you cannot invent the menu here; you must ask what is on it.

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

And you, a Cheann Comhairle, dictate the menu. I want to know if the Taoiseach has any intentions relating to the menu.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Sometimes it can give one indigestion.

John O'Donoghue (Kerry South, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is legislation promised in this area?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Legislation is not promised in this area but it is a cause for reflection for us all.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I anticipated that kind of reply. Has the Government accorded any priority to the enactment of the Defamation Bill in this term?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Bill is on Committee Stage but I am not aware it is intended to have it completed this term. I will ask the relevant Minister to come back to the Deputy on this matter.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ireland signed the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities some time ago. In order for it to be ratified, the mental capacity Bill must be enacted. When will the Bill be published, as it has been put off for some time now? Will we see Government proposals on Dáil reform this side of the summer or some time next year?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The mental capacity Bill will be published later this year. A parliamentary question to the relevant Minister will answer the Deputy's query regarding the convention itself. The second matter will be in the course of the year.