Dáil debates

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

12:00 pm

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business today shall be as follows: No. 12 - motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of an agreement between Ireland and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on participation in the multilateral carbon credit fund; No. 13 - motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the agreement on social security between the Government of Ireland and the Government of Japan; No. 14 - motion re referral to joint committee of the proposed re-appointment of an Coimisinéir Teanga; No. 15 - motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Fisheries (Commercial Fishing Licences) (Alteration of Duties and Fees) Order 2010 (back from committee); No. 16 - motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the report by the Minister for Defence regarding service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2007 (back from committee); No. 17 - motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the report by the Minister for Defence regarding service by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2008 (back from committee); and No. 26 - Inland Fisheries Bill 2009 Second Stage (resumed).

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that Nos. 12 to 17, inclusive, shall be decided without debate. Private Members' Business shall be No. 82 - motion re gangland crime.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 12 to 17, inclusive, agreed to?

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I understand the money for the purchase of carbon credits was paid into the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in 2006. Does the Taoiseach know how much was paid out? Will he be making a decision on an appointment to the bank?

In respect of the agreement between Ireland and Japan, which I support, can he provide figures on the number of Japanese persons who made contributions in Ireland, and vice versa?

Maidir le Uimh. 14, sílim go bhfuil jab maith déanta ag an Coimisinéir Teanga, Seán Ó Cuirreáin, agus tréaslaím leis as go mbeidh an jab aige as seo amach arís. Tá sin tábhachtach ó thaobh fhorbairt na teanga de agus ó thaobh na hoibre agus an phlean atá curtha i gcrích aige go dtí seo.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Ní aontaíonn Teachtaí Shinn Féin leis an moladh chun an rún, athcheapadh an Choimisinéara Teanga -tá botún ansin - a glacadh gan díospóireacht. Is annamh a bhíonn seans againn an teanga Gaeilge agus stádas na teanga a phlé sa Teach seo. Ba chóir díospóireacht a bheith againn. Is cearta teanga atá i gceist anseo, rud atá á phlé sna cainteanna ó Thuaidh faoi láthair. Inár thuairimse, is seans maith é seo stádas an teanga Gaeilge a phlé anseo sa Dáil.

I recall that the Taoiseach practised and encouraged the use of the Irish language for a considerable period after his appointment to his present office. He described it in his opening address as an important focus of his tenure. I hope he will agree that the appointment of an Coimisinéir Teanga is an appropriate opportunity for Members to debate the state of the Irish language in this jurisdiction. We will have a lost opportunity if we take this proposition without debate. My Sinn Féin colleagues and I believe we should avail of the opportunity to focus on stádas na Gaeilge ag an am seo.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Glacann Páirtí an Lucht Oibre leis an rún go mbeadh Seán Ó Cuirreáin athtofamar Coimisinéir Teanga. Aontaím leis an Teachta Kenny go bhfuil jab maith déanta ag an tUasal Ó Cuirreáin sa phost sin. Tá an ceart ag an Teachta Ó Caoláin gur ceart go mbeadh díospóireacht againn sa Dáil faoin ábhar seo, ach bheadh sé níos fearr go mbeadh an díospóireacht sin ar na tuarascálacha atá déanta ag an coimisinéir, mar tá roinnt maith moltaí suimiúla sna tuarascálacha sin. B'fhéidir gur ceart go mbeadh díospóireacht againn orthu sin amach anseo. Maidir leis an rún os ár gcomhair, aontaíonn agus glacann Páirtí an Lucht Oibre go gcuirfear an rún os comhair an chomhchoiste agus go mbeidh an tUasal Ó Cuirreáin athtofa mar Coimisinéir Teanga.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Maidir leis an coimisinéir, an rún atá os ár gcomhair ná go molann Dáil Éireann an tUasal Seán Ó Cuirreáin lena hathcheapadh ag an Uachtarán mar Coimisinéir Teanga. Sin cinneadh an Uachtaráin. Tá an rún ag dul go dtí an comhchoiste i dtús báire in aon chor agus tá díospóireacht ar siúl ar straitéis 20 bliain don teanga sa chomhchoiste agus tá siad ag dul go Gaillimh chun comhrá eile a bheith acu ansin. Tá a lán deiseanna againn chun díospóireacht a bheith againn ar stádas na teanga, ní hamháin anseo, agus i dtaobh an cinneadh atá le déanamh ag an Uachtarán tar éis an rún seo a bheith molta ag an Dáil agus an Seanad.

Regarding the matter mentioned by Deputy Kenny, a once-off provision of €20 million was provided at that time in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's multilateral carbon credit fund by way of a contribution agreement with that body. No formal decision has been made in respect of a vacancy that is coming up shortly. I will see what the detail is and revert to the Deputy on the other matter.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Nos. 16 and 17 are reports on the Defence Forces that are back from committee-----

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Barrett will have to find an alternative time to intervene.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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No, it relates to a motion.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Yes, but we are on the Order of Business.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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It is on the Order of Business.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will be putting the proposal to the House.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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When the legislation was enacted enabling the Defence Forces to engage in peacemaking as distinct from peacekeeping, we on this side of the House proposed an amendment that a report would be made to the Dáil each year. I find it rather objectionable that the Dáil does not get at least half an hour to debate the report. The whole purpose of the exercise-----

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot have a Second Stage speech at this stage.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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This is a very serious matter.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is, but there will be another time to articulate those concerns.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Ceann Comhairle is putting a proposal in the Chamber.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Yes, I am.

Photo of Emmet StaggEmmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Where? It will not be in the Chamber.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I am putting a proposal. The House is not getting an opportunity to discuss the operation of the Defence Forces in respect of United Nations missions.

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

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Barrett.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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That is an expansion of its role.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The normal arrangement on the Order of Business is that we have one spokesperson on behalf of each party.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Yes, but the Order of Business states that there is a proposal-----

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I accept that.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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I am speaking to the motion.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Kenny spoke on the matter previously.

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The House is becoming a total rubber stamp.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not a total rubber stamp; it is the Order of Business.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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It is outrageous.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Order will break down in the House if we dispense with the normal routine of the Order of Business.

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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We will have to change the Order of Business.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We have one proposal to put to the House.

Photo of Seán BarrettSeán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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This is a very important issue.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I accept that point. The Deputy has made his point.

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I wish to make a point of order on the grouping of the motions. We have six motions to pass on a range of unconnected issues.

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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That is the point.

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Deputy Barrett raised one motion in particular that relates to Dáil approval of the report from the Minister for Defence, but there are other motions. It is difficult to oppose that range in a short period. The motions should be taken individually to allow-----

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Chair does not have responsibility for the grouping. The Government put the proposal on those matters. I advise the Deputy that under Standing Order 26 on the Order of Business, one spokesperson per party is allowed to speak.

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I was making a point of order.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Two parties have already broken that regulation.

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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I made a point of order. I did not raise objections to the content but we would like to have the opportunity to deal with the content. I did so in committee and I wish to give the Dáil an opportunity for debate. This is a problem with the ordering of business; that we do not have an opportunity to say whether we are for or against each individual motion on the Order of Business. One then ends up voting for or against that grouping, even though one might agree with most of it. That in itself is a problem. We should consider each motion individually.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I advise the Deputy that a proposal on the Order of Business is a narrow, procedural motion making arrangements for the taking of business for that day and nothing else. We will have to find other times to articulate those points.

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The Government orders the business.

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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We should be able to vote on whether we agree with each individual motion.

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Why do we bother turning up at all?

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We have one proposal to put to the House today. Is the proposal agreed?

Deputies:

No.

Deputies:

Question, "That the proposal for dealing with Nos. 12 to 17, inclusive, without debate, be agreed to," put and declared carried.

Photo of Emmet StaggEmmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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On a point of order. Is it accurate, a Cheann Comhairle, that motions that will now be taken without debate must be voted on in the House before they go to committee?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Yes, that is the normal procedure.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The answer is "Yes".

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is it proposed to allocate any time for statements on the discussions on the Northern Ireland Assembly? The Taoiseach will be aware that during his required absence in Stormont last week the House was fully supportive of the efforts of Government. I understand that the BBC is carrying a report that within the DUP the proposed agreement was voted on 60:40, which is an indication of some serious difficulties within the party. It is obvious that if the Minister for Foreign Affairs is in attendance in Stormont he does not have any input into the difficulties or discussions within the DUP. Is it proposed to set aside some time for an update for the Members of the House who are supportive of the matter being concluded?

In view of the public comments that have been made about the difficulties for people in nursing care, arising from the consultancy report by PA Consulting on the real costs of care in the community, will the Taoiseach advise the Chief Whip that this is an appropriate document for discussion in the House at an appropriate time? Will the Taoiseach confirm that?

In order to be helpful to the Ceann Comhairle, in respect of No. 17, the issue raised by Deputy Barrett, having accepted the report back from committee, as this is a matter of public importance, is this not an issue on which we could have a series of statements in the House in the context of the Defence Forces? I am not asking for such a debate today or tomorrow but in view of the service given by the Defence Forces with the United Nations in 2008, it is a matter for reflection by the House to consider what further support should be given to it in the future.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The nursing home issue is one that could be discussed in the first instance by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children. It is a matter of finding the best way to proceed with that issue.

The question of a debate in the House on the role of the Defence Forces and peacekeeping is a matter for the Whips to arrange in due course.

It is best to allow the process of engagement in Northern Ireland that is currently ongoing to be completed. I very much appreciate the unanimous support of the House for the efforts that are being made to effect a completion of all devolution arrangements in Northern Ireland by agreement between the parties, which the Governments have been seeking to facilitate and assist in terms of the detailed and prolonged discussions that have been ongoing. Perhaps we should await the outcome of the present discussions before deciding to debate them because then we will have a full picture of the issues involved. Personally, I believe that would be a better way to proceed. I will brief the leaders on the matter on my return.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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First, I thank the Taoiseach for the briefing he gave me on the progress to date in the discussions on Northern Ireland. I agree with Deputy Kenny that we should discuss the issue in the House in a way that can be helpful, having regard to what the Taoiseach has said about the state of the discussions.

I wish to raise two matters with the Taoiseach. First, arising from the discussion we had on the Order of Business on Thursday with the Minister for Finance concerning the difficulties facing homeowners in respect of increases in mortgage interest rates, which have been now been confirmed, I was pleased that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources announced last weekend that the Government would do something for homeowners who are hard pressed to pay their mortgages and at risk of repossession. I listened to some good interviews the Minister did on the issue. However, I am disappointed to find that the Department of Finance does not appear to know anything about it, that the Government has not made any decision on it and that all this amounts to is the appointment of some experts to have a look at the issue.

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The Government has an empty wallet.

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Will proposals be brought before the House to provide some comfort to the 6,500 householders who were unable to pay their mortgage at all last year, the 26,000 homeowners who are in mortgage arrears for more than three months and the increasing number of householders who are being threatened with repossession or was what we heard from the Minister at the weekend just more hot air and more cruel misleading of people who are in difficulty because the last thing they want is a Minister coming out blowing his own trumpet and giving them a bum steer?

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

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I refer to the statement made by the Deputy Leader of the Seanad over the weekend in which he said, he is "satisfied that an Oireachtas committee will be established shortly to contribute to the scoping document and will significantly influence the terms of reference of the banking inquiry". Is that accurate? Will an Oireachtas committee be appointed to contribute to the scoping document and the terms of reference of the inquiry? When will the Government bring the motion to establish the committee before the House?

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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That is in the fiction category.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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On the same issue, what legislation is likely to emerge in the short term regarding what the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources indicated? Surely the Taoiseach will accept that an expert group is the last thing we need as people face potential repossession and the reality of losing their homes. The Central Bank Bill is on the legislative list for the current session. Would that offer an opportunity to address the type of measures necessary to stave off the fear of being evicted or having one's home repossessed and to give assurance and support to ordinary homeowners paying exorbitant mortgages with significantly reduced incomes? I strongly support Deputy Gilmore's appeal and I urge the Taoiseach to translate the Minister's oft trundled out statement of the past number of days into a reality for these people, otherwise we will be looking at another old soggy lettuce coming from the Green Party.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I do not agree with the rather dismissive and puerile view that some Deputies have taken on this matter. It is a matter of concern to us all how we can assist families who may encounter difficulties in the present economic circumstances regarding the repayment of mortgages on their homes. There are references to that in the renewed programme for Government, which were rightly adverted to by the Minister. An interdepartmental working group is looking at this matter and the Minister for Finance, in due course, will consider any proposal from that group in addition to what is already being done by the Government.

Deputy Gilmore referred to 6,000 families in difficulty. Support through the mortgage interest scheme under the supplementary welfare allowance system provides vital support for more than 14,000 householders with mortgage difficulties currently,

Photo of Olwyn EnrightOlwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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How many have been turned down?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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What is being done with that single initiative far exceeds the stated demand Deputy Gilmore suggests requires attention. The new code of conduct on mortgage arrears applies to all mortgage lenders. They must wait six months before initiating legal action from the time arrears arise and this period was increased to 12 months for Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland under the recapitalisation arrangements. MABS provides important advice to people on debt management. Refocusing the mortgage interest relief scheme to support those who purchased their homes when house prices were at their peak from 2004 onwards means it will be extended until 2017. That is an important assistance to people in meeting their mortgage commitments over an extended period. A seven-year term was provided for under the original scheme. These are important measures.

The Government continues to examine whether anything else can be done to meet particular circumstances. There is also the question of insolvency law and so on and what we can do in this regard. These issues are being examined by various Departments and the Minister for Finance will bring forward any further proposals he believes will be practical and effective in due course.

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Does the Taoiseach agree there is an urgent need to repair our local and regional roads, which are in an appalling state? It is estimated it will cost-----

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Order of Business is not the appropriate place at all to raise this.

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I have a question on legislation. Given the Government has cut the national roads budget by more than €325 million-----

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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No legislation is involved. The Deputy will find have to find another way to raise this.

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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I refer to the local government services legislation. Does the Taoiseach agree the Government must urgently reappraise the cutbacks in funding for local, regional and national roads? It has never been cheaper to construct roads and there has been never been a greater need to repair these roads. It is 40 years since we experienced such bad weather and the roads have disintegrated. Will the Taoiseach examine this issue again urgently?

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy McManus on the same issue.

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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It is not on the same issue, although I plead with the Taoiseach to take on board the fact that €14 million will be needed to repair roads in my county after all the damage.

The new broadcasting legislation required the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to carry out an exhaustive process to come up with recommendations for appointments to the RTE board and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland, BAI. Five Cabinet meetings later, we still have no indication about whether the appointments have been made or whether the Minister has come forward with recommendations for them. Will the Taoiseach defend the honour of the Government on this issue?

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Is that a joke?

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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If the people we recommended were members or supporters of the Green Party, there would have been no delay.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The detail required should be the subject of a parliamentary question. It is unfair to expect a reply to this on the Order of Business.

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Two months after the recommendations were made, the vacancies remain. Decisions are being made by the BAI even though board members have not been appointed. What is the problem? Why have the appointments not been made? The joint Oireachtas committee was not found wanting and the proposals were made. It is up to the Minister. He does not have to accept them but he must act on them. Instead, he seems to be able to talk about everything else under the sun, except the job of work he was appointed by the Taoiseach to carry out.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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A parliamentary question would be more appropriate.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I cannot provide a detailed response to the Deputy in that respect. Presumably these matters are still under consideration but I will have the matter checked out. I cannot give an exact and accurate reply without notice.

On the matter raised by Deputy O'Dowd, there has been a significant investment in our road network over the past decade with €15 billion spent on national and secondary roads and more than €5.5 billion on our regional and local road network.. We must try to see in what way we can protect that investment and the Minister for Transport and other Ministers will be acutely aware of the need to see how we can assist in the matter. However, there is a strong need for local authorities to give full priority to use whatever resources are available to them, including their own resources. Some of them only use 5% of their resources for road maintenance and improvements. There is a need for them to prioritise that spend in whatever way they can based on the allocations they have and whatever else the Minister will be able to apply.

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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On 23 December last, the UK Government banned a number of psychoactive substances that were on sale in head shops there. As a result, these toxic drugs will be dumped on the Irish market because we have not banned them.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, this is not appropriate to the Order of Business.

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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It is. I ask the Ceann Comhairle to hear me out.

Photo of Jim O'KeeffeJim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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It is about legislation.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Questions on the Order of Business are about legislation. I will allow the Deputy to continue briefly.

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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On the Order of Business last week I raised this issue with regard to secondary legislation under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, which is required to ensure that the chemicals that are now banned in the UK are also banned in this country. The Taoiseach was away last week and I had the opportunity to ask the Minister for Health and Children, in a written question, her plans to introduce secondary legislation. However, she does not seem to have any plans to do so, even though it would require no more than a copy and paste from the UK regulations to here.

In light of this and in view of the fact that two pieces of secondary legislation are required - one from the Minister for Health and Children and one from the Taoiseach - I have taken the liberty to draft the statutory instrument. Will the Taoiseach put his name to it and ensure these drugs, which have been found in the UK to be toxic and to have caused damage to young people, are banned here before they are dumped on the market and pawned off to children?

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The UK legislation to which the Deputy referred is running into trouble at the moment with regard to its adequacy and whether it can be implemented properly as envisaged. Thus, I am afraid it is not a question of cut and paste. I acknowledge the work the Deputy has done and ask him to contact the Minister for Health and Children and provide her with any documentation that could be helpful in dealing with these issues. The Minister will deal with it constructively. We are currently preparing regulations which will introduce controls similar to those introduced in the UK - although, as I said, the legislative initiative in the UK has run into trouble. These regulations pertain to a range of substances that are on sale and need to be regulated. Perhaps the Deputy could convey the work he has done to the relevant Minister and we will seek to assist him.

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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While it is difficult to predict the bottoming out of the property market, and particularly the housing market, it has been interesting to note-----

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, we are seeking inquiries about legislation.

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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If the Ceann Comhairle will give me the same degree of latitude he has given other speakers, I would appreciate it. I will continue, if I may.

Based upon speculation as to when the property market will reach its lowest point, it was interesting to hear some commentators, particularly those with an interest in the area, make statements that house prices might actually increase this year.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is not appropriate for the Order of Business.

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Yes, it is.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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A Second Stage speech on the issue of the housing market is not appropriate.

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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If the Ceann Comhairle does not interrupt me, I will continue.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please, Deputy. Are you inquiring about promised legislation?

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Fair is fair. If I may continue without interruption, I will make my point and then sit down, and the Taoiseach can respond to me.

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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He is laying the foundation for the question.

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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I would like to give the Taoiseach the context of my question in order that he can give a proper and full response to it. The Taoiseach will appreciate that.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I know the Deputy is trying to be helpful.

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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This was the type of information we heard at the height of the property bubble. One of the things stated in the programme for Government was that a national house price database would be established. I believe this may have legislative implications with regard to the Data Protection Act and other measures. Given that the property market has yet to bottom out-----

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy may submit a parliamentary question on the matter.

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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With regard to the programme for Government, will there be legislation establishing a house price database?

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is there promised legislation in this area?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I do not think it would require legislation.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is fine. We will move on.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Apropos of the issue raised by various other people, including the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, and arising from promised legislation, will the Taoiseach inform us, notwithstanding Deputy Ryan's intervention, whether it is intended to make any interim intervention to help people who are now seriously in arrears with their mortgages, as opposed to waiting until the summer or some vague time in the future?

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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This question was asked previously.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It was not asked previously.

I ask the Taoiseach to provide me with an answer to that question. I have another one also.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Let us have the two now, please. We will not have a process of interrogation on the Order of Business. If the Deputy has an inquiry about legislation, let us have it.

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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A special Ceann Comhairle's offer - two for the price of one.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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With all due respect, a Cheann Comhairle, I am not conducting a process of interrogation. The other question, however, is separate and unrelated to the first.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Taoiseach may answer briefly.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I have already indicated the effective interim initiatives that have been taken. Up to 14,000 families, for example, are being assisted under the mortgage interest relief scheme at the moment.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The measures are not effective, because mortgage arrears are accumulating on a daily basis in a frightening fashion.

My other question is about legislation that has been promised as often as the drainage of the Shannon and, therefore, the Taoiseach will recognise it readily. I refer to the Multi-Unit Developments Bill 2009, which, along with the landlord and tenant Bill, has been promised repeatedly in this House. The Tánaiste gave information to the House last week which was somewhat misleading, although I presume this was not deliberate. My concern is that the Bill has been abandoned - that it is lying somewhere in the Seanad with no further contributions being made to it. The various stakeholders, whoever they were, have been consulted and as a result confusion now reigns. I ask the Taoiseach to take control of the Bill. Many householders throughout the country are awaiting its outcome, and its introduction to this House, with some degree of concern.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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A number of concerns have been raised by Deputies about this Bill on an ongoing basis. As Members know, it is a complex Bill and is being dealt with at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. I will remind the Minister to continue to work as expeditiously as possible on the Bill as I would also like to see it published.

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I have a long and complicated question and I hope the Ceann Comhairle will bear with me.

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Good luck.

Photo of Ruairi QuinnRuairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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When is it proposed to take the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Act 1998 (Amendment) Bill?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It has just been published and is awaiting Second Stage. It is matter for the Whips, but it may be the week after next.

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Last week I asked when Ireland proposed to sign the optional protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The Tánaiste undertook to have somebody communicate with me, but I have not yet received any information. Ireland was represented on 10 December 2008 at the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, upon which Irish officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs had worked. The optional protocol was adopted by consensus and Ireland attended the signing ceremony even though we were not in a position to sign. The Minister for Foreign Affairs wrote to me on 29 September saying he was making every effort to ensure the consideration of Ireland's signature would be speeded up; hence my question.

The importance of the protocol is that it would have enabled individuals and groups to make complaints to the United Nations committee directly if there were breaches of their economic, social or cultural rights. Will we be signing the protocol in the lifetime of this Government? I am not talking about ratification, but we have stopped short of even signing this very basic instrument on human rights.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We might be able to obtain some information in that regard.

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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I will continue to ask about this in the House.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I apologise to the Deputy. The Tánaiste did arrange for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to communicate with Deputy Higgins in this regard, but unfortunately the Minister has been elsewhere in the past week.

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Of course. I understand that.

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I will ask that the communication be forwarded to the Deputy.

Photo of Michael D HigginsMichael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Is it the Taoiseach's aspiration to sign the protocol within the lifetime of this Government?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It is something towards which we should be positively disposed. The accusative case in Latin suggests motion towards without actually getting there.

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I ran into trouble last week with the Ceann Comhairle's understudy for raising a matter that was not on the Order of Business. I do not want to do that two weeks running, but I might need his indulgence because the matter I wish to raise is not on the Order Paper or on the Order of Business. It is to do with 246 jobs we are trying to protect at Marine Harvest Ireland.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will have to find another way to raise this.

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Could the Ceann Comhairle suggest-----

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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A parliamentary question-----

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I can table a parliamentary question from Letterkenny, and I would not even need to come to Dublin.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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-----or a matter on the Adjournment.

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Perhaps the Ceann Comhairle might check whether the Internet server in his office is working. I have submitted six matters on the Adjournment since he became Ceann Comhairle and I have had a 100% refusal rate.

(Interruptions).

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I know there are 166 Deputies but, a Cheann Comhairle-----

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy obviously wants to maintain that high rate.

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Deputy to submit the matter a seventh time.

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Will the Ceann Comhairle consider that favourably?

Photo of Séamus KirkSéamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will look at it.

Photo of Billy TimminsBilly Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Deputy McHugh's e-mail is still on the way from Donegal.

The Swedish Government is to close its embassy in Dublin in August. Is the Taoiseach concerned about that? Are there implications for the extension of external relations services set up after the Lisbon treaty for embassies across Europe? Is this a once-off and will he ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs to contact his counterpart in Sweden to seek to reverse the decision?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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We must respect the decisions of governments in times of difficulty in public finances, when they must make decisions they would not normally contemplate. Our own Government has had to do likewise and we must recognise that good bilateral relations between Sweden and Ireland will continue. While one regrets that an embassy is closing, it does not take away from the good and friendly relations we have with the Swedish Government and people.

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach is aware that we are required by EU directive to have a full and open liberalised postal market by the end of this year. That requires complex legislation that must be passed and implemented well before the end of the year. When are we likely to see the postal services Bill that is promised for some time this year? Will it be before the House before the summer?

Photo of Brian CowenBrian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I cannot be that specific. The heads of the Bill are being prepared at the moment.