Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Order of Business today shall be No. 4, Finance Bill 2010 - Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and business shall be interrupted not later than 10 p.m. The resumed Second Stage of No. 4 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 10 p.m. Private Members' business shall be No. 76, motion re Remuneration of Public Servants (resumed), to conclude at 8.30 p.m. tonight, if not previously concluded.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are two proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. agreed to?

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I refer to what is being accommodated by the extension of time for the Finance Bill 2010. The Sinn Féin party will not agree to the Order of Business offered by the Government today unless we get an indication or commitment that there will be an opportunity to properly address the disgraceful decision of the Bank of Scotland (Ireland) in respect of the Halifax network of branches and their presence throughout the economy. Some 750 workers are being thrown on the dole queue, something about which the Government has known and that had been signalled for upwards of 12 months. We seek an opportunity to have the matter substantively addressed in this Chamber.

The Ministers for Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment should come in and give us an account of their stewardship, what efforts, engagement and action they propose - even in a last ditch effort - to try to stymy the full effects of this very serious announcement. Will this be committed to here this week? This is what we are calling for. It is a matter of such importance. We were told there would be a new, almost social, conscience on the part of financial institutions in the advent of the bank rescue scheme and NAMA, albeit this particular institution is not covered by either of these. Nevertheless, we cannot endure a situation where 750 workers will be just dumped on the pavement as a result of a decision taken outside this jurisdiction and imposed here. There are political aspects of this matter which must be engaged directly with the British Government and Exchequer and the whole situation in respect of Bank of Scotland (Ireland) and the Halifax presence here over several years. I am sure it would be a very useful engagement with the Minister.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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We do not have a problem with No. 1 and the Dáil sitting until 10 p.m. However, we have a problem with a guillotine on the Finance Bill. Since the debate on the Finance Bill was arranged, circumstances have changed dramatically.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is referring to No. 2, which I will put to Members presently.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I simply wish to make it clear that we do not have a problem and we do not object to the Dáil sitting until 10 p.m.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Can we dispose of No. 1? Is the proposal that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. agreed to?

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I call on the Taoiseach to respond to the inquiry I have made and the objection I have recorded in respect of the Order Paper as presented. It is a courtesy to which we are entitled.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I have put the Order of Business to the House to be accepted. The Deputy has indicated he wants to raise issues. During Second Stage of the Finance Bill, he will have plenty of opportunity to raise them or any other matters. The Whips are to meet this evening to order business later this week or the following week. I cannot be any more helpful than that.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach could schedule or indicate his intention to consider scheduling a special opportunity to address this very serious matter in the House, with both relevant Ministers present to take questions from Members.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is aware that there are procedures quite apart from the Order of Business to allow for that to happen, including private notice questions.

Question, "That the proposal that the House sit later than 8.30 p.m. be agreed to," put and declared carried.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the proposal for dealing with No. 4, Second Stage of the Finance Bill 2010, agreed to?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is not agreed to, not only because there is a guillotine involved, as the Taoiseach and Chief Whip well know. There are so many Members who want to speak on the Bill that it is unrealistic to propose closing the debate at 10 p.m. This is a time of great economic difficulty for many people. We need to focus on the possibilities and proposals in the Finance Bill that can help the Government to put forward strategies, ideas, incentives and opportunities for job creation and make it easier for employers to retain staff, change direction and have new lines. We need to discuss a range of other options in the Bill that are so important to bolstering a very fragile and fractured economy. For that reason, it is completely inappropriate to end Second Stage of the Finance Bill at 10 p.m. Many speakers want to contribute and the very least the Taoiseach could do is lift the guillotine and allow for another day, at least, of Second Stage debate.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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We object to a guillotine being imposed on this legislation, which is probably the most important Bill to be considered by the Dáil so far this year. The Bill has a number of features about which Deputies on all sides of the House want to talk, including the fact that the Minister is imposing VAT of 13.5% on service charges. This will affect many people. The Minister is doing the same with regard to tolls and his decision will affect people who go for a swim in a council-owned swimming pool.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Second Stage is ongoing.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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At a time of price deflation, the Government is leading the charge, through stealth charges, to drive up costs for ordinary families.

We learned overnight and yesterday, and the poor Taoiseach only learned yesterday, that 750 jobs are to be lost in Bank of Scotland (Ireland).

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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We were aware of it before that.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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All these points can be made on Second Stage, which is to continue.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Ceann Comhairle allowed his colleague from the north east to speak without interruption. I expect the same courtesy to be extended to me.

There is a need for detailed discussion on the change in the employment situation in Bank of Scotland (Ireland). There are proposals in the Finance Bill on NAMA and banking and the Minister for Finance, in his statement, made a number of assertive claims about how he is to sort out the bank situation at a time when there is no credit for small and medium business. Members on all sides of the House are entitled to talk about the needs of their constituents and about small and big businesses in every town and village that need to obtain credit, retain employment and generate new employment, yet the Government wants to shut down debate.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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If we get the Order of Business disposed of, all those points can be made later during the debate.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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The Sinn Féin Deputies also object to the second proposition on the Order of Business, namely, to guillotine Second Stage of the Finance Bill. It is absolutely unacceptable that such a proposition is put before us in the context of the current grave economic climate and with the measures contained in the Bill in the offing. Bearing in mind that the Ceann Comhairle did not accommodate my objection to the first item on the Order Paper in the context of bank bailouts, it is imperative that there not be a guillotine. We are witnessing yet another aspect of the Government's failure to have a strategy for job retention and creation in that a further 750 jobs are being dumped on the dole heap as a result of a decision by a banking institution, which institution should at least be reflecting some of the alleged changed environment that is supposed to exist. This bank is showing the same attitude that has applied heretofore. It is riding roughshod over, having no regard for and showing no concern for ordinary employees.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We need to move on with the Order of Business. Those points have been made several times this morning.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach has done nothing about it.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Taoiseach to be brief because I am going to put the question.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I understand the spokespersons have scheduled arrangements for Committee Stage and we are to proceed along those lines. We are proceeding with Second Stage tonight and calling it to a halt. There will be plenty of opportunity for Members to contribute to the various Stages of this Bill during its enactment, as is always the case during the consideration of the Finance Bill. For that reason, it is important that the Order of Business be as it is.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Will the Taoiseach indicate the status of the Government statement circulated last night in respect of waste management policy and incineration? It is not on headed paper or signed; it is just a Government statement.

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Could Deputy Kenny speak up?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Can we have some ciúnas in the lobbies please?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Government statements are never signed.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Many of them are signed.

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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They usually have a header on top of them.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The last guy I knew who signed statements was called P. O'Neill. He is not in action at the moment.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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If more statements were signed we might find out what is going on.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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What about the Minister for Education and Science?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is this supposed to represent Government policy on incineration?

Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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It is a Green Party document.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It simply outlines what the programme for Government provides for, that we are involved in a consultative process through a strategic environmental assessment, that we have an international review report which makes some important recommendations and that we are examining resource management in how it can play into general waste management policy. It also outlines how we are committed to that approach and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, is proceeding on that basis.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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What is the Government's policy?

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Is it written on fireproof paper?

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach is being a bit like his predecessor.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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This Government statement, an unusual one at that, was issued arising from a statement made by the Dublin city manager to an Oireachtas committee last week. At the committee he stated the contract signed by Dublin City Council for the construction of the incinerator in Ringsend was in compliance with Government policy. The statement issued yesterday by the Government was to clarify this. As I read the statement, it does no such thing. First, it has no reference to the incinerator-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Has the Deputy a question on promised legislation?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Bear with me, a Cheann Comhairle, there is promised legislation in this.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not statements on the Order of Business. Is the Deputy linking it to promised legislation?

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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This is a burning issue.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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There is no mention of Poolbeg in this statement. It states Government policy on waste management is in the programme for Government and that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, has the Government's full support in implementing it. It also states there will be a levy on incineration in legislation to appear in the future. What is not clarified - what I understand was the purpose of this statement and what the Minister, Deputy Gormley, was seeking to have established - is the status of Government policy at the time the contract was signed by Dublin City Council for the incinerator at Poolbeg.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Gilmore, we really are going to have find a different way of raising this matter. This is the Order of Business.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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It is in the programme for Government.

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Green tail is wagging the dog.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The only incineration policy this statement is addressing is the singeing of the Minister's electoral behind in Ringsend.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Ouch.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Is the contract signed by Dublin City Council in compliance with Government policy or not? This statement tells us about what will happen in the future with waste management policy. It also tells us a few actions the Minister, Deputy Gormley, could perhaps have taken in his first two years in office which could have prevented his current difficulties in Ringsend. What is the status of the Ringsend contract?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will have to find an alternative way of bringing it up directly with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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What about the lost at sea report raised by Deputy Creed yesterday? There were statements about the report in the House last Thursday. The Ombudsman has asked the Oireachtas to reach a conclusion on the matter, which is why she referred the report to it. I wrote to the Taoiseach on Friday suggesting the report should be referred to the appropriate Oireachtas committee. Has he considered my letter yet and, if so, what is his response to it?

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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On the issue of the incinerator in Poolbeg-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I cannot allow this.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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It is on Government policy and is the exact same issue raised by my party's leader and Deputy Gilmore. The Government has a responsibility to clarify to the House whether there has been an official change-----

They are all up about it.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will have to find an alternative way to raising this matter such as a parliamentary question to the Minister in question or an Adjournment matter.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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-----in Government policy. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, claimed the other night that he wrote letters to the Dublin city manager which constituted a change to Government policy. Will the Taoiseach clarify to the House whether writing letters to a city manager is the equivalent of changing Government policy?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The lost at sea report is being considered by both Houses of the Oireachtas. This consideration should be completed by next week after the Seanad has discussed it and its recommendations.

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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What about incineration which is the burning question?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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That was a humorous comment, was it not.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Well, they laughed at it over on the other side of the House.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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That kind of spontaneity is almost unique.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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It might not turn out to be a burning question at all.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Spontaneous combustion also happens.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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There is no smoke without fire.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Could we get some decorum back?

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Taoiseach knows there is no smoke without fire.

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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There will be a smoking gun.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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There are singeing and burning quips going on here. I hope someone gets a line out of it.

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Greens have gone up in smoke.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Government statement sets out the position that resource management is being examined, that we are involved in a consultative process and that the proposed section 60 cap on incineration requires a consultative process under EU directives, etc. That is what has happened.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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So the contract stands?

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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The incinerator will be long built by then.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The situation regarding whatever contractual arrangements Dublin City Council have will be considered and an investigating officer will be appointed by the Minister, Deputy Gormley, to examine that matter.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Two years later.

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Will taxpayers' money be spent on it?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Jim O'Keeffe, please.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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In light of the recent British decision, which was reflected in the Northern Assembly only this week, regarding additional compensation for victims of thalidomide, is the Government considering any such measures for the small number of victims in this jurisdiction? Has the Taoiseach received a request to meet with the survivors of thalidomide in the Twenty-six Counties?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, a parliamentary question to the Minister for Health and Children would be much more appropriate.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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She is in the Chamber.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Will he accede to the request at the earliest opportunity given the serious needs of the people concerned and that we are not in sync with the supports and measures introduced in the other jurisdiction on the island and in the neighbouring island?

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Noting the presence of the Minister for Health and Children in the Chamber, I take it she has been briefed a representative of the Irish Thalidomide Association was interviewed on the radio this morning. That association has been in dialogue with the Department of Health and Children and the State Claims Agency for over two years. As there are fewer than 40 survivors, will the Minister ensure the matter is brought to a conclusion in the interest of ordinary decency? These people, to whom the State owes a degree of responsibility, should be treated with respect and promptness. They have been left for far too long without a decent response from the Government.

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Hear, hear.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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On the same issue, and very much in support of the two previous speakers, the Taoiseach can do a great service to the House and its institutions by responding in the fashion suggested by my colleagues on this side of the House. In view of the well-documented evidence that has existed for several years on this sensitive subject and the relatively small number of people whose situation must be addressed, it is even more poignant-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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There is no need to elaborate.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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-----when one considers that it involves a small group of people. Their situation requires compassionate treatment at the earliest possible date.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Obviously, we are all aware of this particular situation. The original settlement regarding these matters was made back in the 1970s. The Minister is awaiting a report from the State Claims Agency, which is expected this month. The Minister has asked the State Claims Agency to examine the Irish Thalidomide Association's claims and to assess them in the context of Irish and international provisions for victims of thalidomide and Irish case law and precedent, and to advise her. Any proposal which comes out of that process will be considered by Government at that point.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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I ask for some urgency in this matter, and some decency.

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

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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With respect, I have just explained the State Claims Agency will be reporting this month on the matter.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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The Taoiseach's microphone is out of order.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach's microphone is not on. How soon does he expect the agency to report?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The original settlement was made-----

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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By the late Minister Brendan Corish.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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-----back in the mid-1970s.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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That is correct, but this matter has been ongoing for two to three years.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Taoiseach without interruption.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The fact of the matter is that the tax-free allowance in Ireland, quite rightly, is €26,000 whereas it is £18,000 in Britain. While it is a serious disability, we have ensured that, in comparable terms, Ireland has not been at the back of the queue in that respect. However, the claims being made by the thalidomide association now include an additional lump sum and increased monthly payments, retrospection and additional supports. It is in that context that the Minister is expecting a report from the State Claims Agency, based on the criteria I have set out. They are important criteria in terms of making a proper assessment in the matter.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Would the Taoiseach commit not only on behalf of the Government, but on behalf of the House, as there is a small number of people involved, to meet directly with their representatives following a request they made? It certainly would be appropriate and much appreciated.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Order of Business is turning into Question Time. We have had a good airing of this matter.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister will meet them after she receives the report and is in a position to have a discussion with them about it.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Would the Taoiseach meet them?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister, who is the front line, will meet them.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Ó Caoláin has a reply. I call Deputy Tom Sheahan.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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All the meetings seem to be happening after the event. On the day that Kraft took over Cadbury Ireland, I asked the Tánaiste to meet with the CEO of Kraft-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not appropriate on the Order of Business. It really is not.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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-----in order to hold the current number of people employed-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, please.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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-----and to investigate any possibilities of further employment.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Would Deputy Sheahan submit a matter for the Adjournment or a parliamentary question?

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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I asked both the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach to meet with the CEO of Kraft,-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will have an opportunity on Second Stage of the Finance Bill in the afternoon.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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-----which they have refused to do. Peter Mandelson has met this lady on three occasions. What does the Taoiseach think will be the outcome of those meetings?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will the Deputy submit a parliamentary question or submit a motion for consideration for the Adjournment?

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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I submitted a parliamentary question asking him to meet the CEO of Kraft, which has not happened. If Cadbury Ireland closes, what will be do?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy has had a good innings.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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It is no good meeting him when the company has made its decision.

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

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Costello.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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It is no good meeting him when the decision is made.

Deputies:

A Bank of Ireland strategy.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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In view of the fact that yesterday MEPs voted for a new Commission, there are 27 new Commissioners about to begin their five-year stint and Ireland's Commissioner is in the important portfolio of innovation and research, will the Taoiseach consider inviting the new Commissioner to the House to outline her proposals? Innovation and research are supposed to be central to the national-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is not about promised business.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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In terms of issues to be debated in this House, it is appropriate to ask a question.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is an ideal parliamentary question.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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No, it is an ideal question for the Order of Business-----

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Can we get an ideal answer?

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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-----because it relates to the business of the House. It is appropriate to ask it here so that we could have the benefit of a full-day debate-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not promised business. It really is not.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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-----on European matters and on the particular portfolio of innovation and research, which should be crucial to economic recovery in this country and elsewhere.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy McCormack.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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No, not yet. The Deputy is entitled to a reply because it is relevant to the Order of Business.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy really needs to give notice. Submit a parliamentary question on the matter.

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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One would want to give her eight months to settle into the job.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy McCormack.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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On a point of order, the question is in order.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is not on promised business.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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It is about the business of the House.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I have suggested to the Deputy that he consider-----

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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The Deputy is entitled to an answer.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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-----approaching it from a different angle.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Save all the trouble.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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The rules are there and it is about the business of the House.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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If I ask a question that is appropriate to the business of the House I am entitled to a reply.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Yes.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Submit the parliamentary question.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is entitled by the Ceann Comhairle.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach is muzzled by the Ceann Comhairle.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I obey the Ceann Comhairle.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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On a point of order, we do not want to have a row about this.

Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Go on.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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We do not want to have this recur, where the Ceann Comhairle rules matters out of order unless they are active in legislation.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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If we continue in the current vein we would be on the Order of Business all day. That is the difficulty.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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I read out the rules to the Ceann Comhairle and I will read them out again if he wants me to.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The debate on Second Stage of the Finance Bill is due to recommence shortly.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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This is a question that is in order and the Taoiseach is prepared to answer it. We would not be delaying time about the procedure if the Ceann Comhairle allowed him to answer it.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Deputy would submit a parliamentary question to the appropriate-----

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Why should he, when he is entitled to raise it on the Order of Business?

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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This is a forum for raising it.

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

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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It is appropriate on the Order of Business.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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It must be appropriate.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The Taoiseach is going to answer.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am guided by the Ceann Comhairle. The fact of the matter is I hope to meet the Commissioner tomorrow on other business. I am sure she will be only too pleased to visit this country, as she will be visiting others, to listen and to indicate what her policy positions will be on these matters going forward.

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Will the Taoiseach put the request to her?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy McCormack.

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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My question is relevant to the Order of Business. When will the health information Bill to allow people access to their records come before the Dáil? I am glad the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Mary Harney, has waited for the reply to the question.

When will the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2009 be implemented to allow tenants in local authority flat complexes and maisonettes to purchase their own properties. We passed the Bill, but it has not yet been implemented by the local authorities. When will that be implemented and when will the health information Bill come before the Dáil?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I understand the housing legislation was passed in July last.

Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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But it is not implemented.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I will have to come back to the Deputy as to what the position is. I can only deal with legislation that is yet to be enacted. If there is legislation enacted and there is a problem, a parliamentary question is probably the best way of getting accurate information. On the other matter the Deputy raised, it will be the end of the year.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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As the Taoiseach will be aware, the Government has a legislative group working on new legislation to protect people in debt difficulties. Would the Taoiseach consider extending a moratorium while this policy work is ongoing on repossessions and, specifically, whether that would apply to Halifax Bank of Scotland, HBOS, mortgage holders who are particularly exposed in the current situation?

While I am at it, credit card holders have been abruptly told by HBOS that they must clear their accounts by May. Here again, some provision to provide reasonable consumer protection in this transition would be appropriate.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I understand there has been a statement from the Financial Regulator today that Bank of Scotland has informed the Financial Regulator of its commercial intention to close the Halifax retail banking business and the Bank of Scotland (Ireland) intermediary business in the Republic of Ireland, commencing at the end of May. The Financial Regulator is working with Bank of Scotland (Ireland) to ensure that customers' interests are protected in accordance with the consumer protection code and as required by the code, all customers will be given three months notice of branch closures. Mortgages, personal loans and fixed-rate savings with the bank will operate to maturity. Bank of Scotland (Ireland) has advised that customers do not need to do anything at this stage, the bank's commercial banking and corporate banking operations are unaffected by the development, and Bank of Scotland (Ireland) will begin writing to all customers by the end of February to set out how the changes will affect them and to explain the next steps that they may need to take.

The implications will vary depending on the type of account or product consumers may hold and we recommend that consumers read what the Financial Regulator states, that they look at those details very carefully. The Bank of Scotland has also established various customer contact points which are listed at branches. The Financial Regulator is taking up his responsibility in ensuring that consumers' interests are protected in the context of the announcement made yesterday.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Given the high incidence of skin cancer in this country, which was referred to by the Minister for Health and Children who I am glad is in the House, I cannot believe the Government has not set a date for the publication of the public health (sunbeds) Bill. Will the Taoiseach or the Minister for Health and Children give me and concerned parents a date for the publication of this very important Bill? The Minister acknowledged more than 12 months ago that legislation would be forthcoming in 2009. It has not come to hand yet.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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You are all browned off over there.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Come out of the shade.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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That Bill is being prepared. It will probably be after the summer before it is ready.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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I wish to ask about the heads of a Bill, which were agreed, in regard to a directly elected mayor of Dublin. Will the Taoiseach share with the House some further information on this legislation? It is reported extensively in the newspapers today that the new directly elected mayor of Dublin will receive a salary of €200,000 per annum. Will Taoiseach confirm that? Presumably, extensive expenses will be incurred in addition to that. That seems somewhat offensive in the current climate.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is anticipating the debate on the legislation.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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This is promised legislation and I want to ask a relevant question about it.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are getting into a Second Stage debate before the Bill is published.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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The directly elected mayor will allegedly have no budget, no revenue raising powers and no powers in regard to policing law and order in the city.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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These questions-----

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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What is proposed is a toothless mayor.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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-----are ideal for Second and Committee Stages.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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When is the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government likely to publish a White Paper on this in order that we, on the Opposition benches, will have an opportunity to scrutinise it? Is it envisaged at any point in the future, or via this legislation, that the Government will introduce directly elected mayors for other cities?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to the programme for Government which makes reference to enacting legislation for a directly elected mayor of Dublin in 2010. As I said in response to Deputy Gilmore when he asked about it yesterday, heads of a Bill were approved by Government yesterday. No decisions on remuneration have been made at this point. When the Bill is prepared, it will be published and debated. In the meantime, Deputy Gilmore and others will I am sure be able to consult with people about what stage the Bill is at.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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I wish to ask about two related Bills. The first concerns the Cabinet sub-committee, which I understand has met twice, most recently in 2009, and which is considering issues around reform of human rights and the Air Navigation Acts 1978 and 1988. Legislation was promised.

Related to that is the biological weapons Bill, which will prohibit the use, development, production, manufacture, possession, stockpiling and so forth of biological weapons. I mention this because the biological weapons Bill, as described, would not prohibit the transmission of biological weapons through Irish airspace. It would be confined in its prohibition to companies registered in Ireland, members of the Defence Forces and so on.

To be positive, a great deal of effort went into the cluster munitions legislation in a bipartisan way and before that, into the landmines legislation.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We have far too much elaboration.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Recent reports from Iraq show that babies are being born with immense genetic deformities. There is evidence of the use of biological weapons in practically every other major conflict, so this legislation is urgent. It is very important that we not only prohibit any work in this regard but also, as a country interested in international law, that we bring forward the legislation dealing with Shannon and ensure such weapons are prohibited there as well. When will we see the legislation from the Cabinet sub-committee and the biological weapons Bill?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The heads of the biological weapons Bill were approved this week.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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I am delighted to hear that.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Work will proceed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs on bringing forward the Bill in full. The issues the Deputy raised are probably best left for discussion with the Minister as he prepares the scope of the Bill, or for Second Stage when it is published. I understand the other one will be later this year.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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I do not mean to be difficult but the conveyance of material through Irish airspace-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy has been told the Bill will be introduced later this year.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I heard what Deputy Higgins said and I will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and ask him to revert to the Deputy.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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What is the current situation in regard to the long-promised legislation dealing with management companies? The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform circulated a two page letter which highlighted all the difficulties he has identified and all the different parties he has consulted, including builders and developers. It looks as if the prospect of getting this legislation in the lifetime of this Dáil is fading away.

In my constituency and in many others, tens of thousands of people, in particular young people, in negative equity are-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are anticipating the legislation.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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-----living in managed developments where, typically, they are being charged large fees from €600 to €2,500 per year.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am advised the Bill is in the Seanad.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Their apartments can get flooded and their roofs can get destroyed and they have no recourse. Has the Government a revised timeframe for introducing this legislation before this Dáil runs its course because very many people are very badly affected by its absence?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Bill is in the Seanad.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It is really difficult. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform circulated a two page letter but it is a letter of despair because it seems to indicate that no resolution of this really pressing issue will be forthcoming while he is Minister.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Given the amount of interest articulated in the House on a constant basis in regard to this matter, the purpose of the correspondence was to bring people up to date as to what issues are being addressed. The purpose of the correspondence was to update Deputies in far greater detail than I would be able to give on the Order of Business on what exactly are the issues being addressed and considered.

I would like to see the legislation published and enacted as quickly as possible but it is being dealt with by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and it is a matter of priority. Unfortunately, because there are so many issues involved in terms of getting a coherent legislative outcome, it is complex and difficult to finalise. It is not a question of the Government being indifferent on the matter. We are proceeding with this issue as quickly as is possible.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I thank the Taoiseach for the reply.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy has had a very good innings on the matter. We must move on.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Does the Taoiseach have a timeframe for the legislation? We regularly deal with hundreds of thousands of people affected by the absence of legislation in this area, young homeowners in negative equity who are finding it extremely tough.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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On the same issue, what we find difficult to understand about this matter is that it took the Government four years to produce a Bill.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, please-----

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Let me make the point. I will be very brief.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Any queries on the Order of Business must be about promised legislation not a serious elaboration thereon.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Second Stage of that legislation went through the Seanad. Suddenly, there was a new Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, all hell broke loose and the Bill was no good anymore.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy-----

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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It had to go back for consultation with a long list of people who had vested interests, mainly in maintaining the status quo.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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On the new Central Bank Bill, are there plans to publish it in draft format, similar to the NAMA Bill, so there can be full and proper public consultation and so the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service will have an opportunity to hear presentations from interested parties? It would be in line with the Government's White Paper on better regulation to publish the Bill in draft format.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I am not aware that is the case. I understand the first Bill would be introduced in the normal way. There are two Bills being brought forward to deal with the proposed regulatory changes which the Minister for Finance has in mind. The work has been divided in that way in order that we can progress with the first Bill at, I understand, Easter. The Minister has indicated the time frame and thereafter the second Bill will come forward. If the Deputy wants to make suggestions to the Minister regarding how it is to be presented, he could table a parliamentary question or a direct discussion with the Minister might bear fruit.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I have a piece of information rather than a question, which is for the attention, indirectly, of the Tánaiste.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Would it be more appropriate somewhere else?

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It is very appropriate now.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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I would be tempted to table a parliamentary question but due to the work to rule we are not sure if it would be answered. We could save €200. My point concerns the consultant haematology service of which the Tánaiste will be aware. We need to impress on the Department of Health and Children the need to use whatever pressure it can to try to get funding. Too many new patients who require chemotherapy and need haematology services are being referred to Sligo and Galway. Letterkenny General Hospital and its staff are doing all they can but I ask the Tánaiste to impress on her colleague, the Minister for Health and Children-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The point has been noted.

Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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------the importance of this issue. It would be greatly appreciated. I have saved time and resources by not tabling a parliamentary question.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Can we get the same in Monaghan?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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You are great.

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Will the Government consider the extension of the expiry date for medical cards for the over-70s because of the unusual chaos which exists in the Central Applications Office.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We do not have promised business.

Ulick Burke (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Many people are suffering. Their medical cards have been cancelled by their general practitioners because of a payment issue. It is of the utmost importance that somebody with consideration for elderly people's health would extend the expiry date for medical cards. It is important.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should find another way to address the issue. We will resume the debate on the Finance Bill.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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No, I indicated a long time ago.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I recollect the Deputy spoke earlier.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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No. I indicated before that.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy can make a brief contribution.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I have a question on promised legislation, the purpose of which is to transpose EU Directive 2008/6/EC which provides for the completion of the liberalisation of the postal sector, in line with 1 January 2011. Given the lack of speed with which legislation tended to go through this House over the past number of years, is it intended to bring the Bill before the House before the end of the year, as the date for transposition of the directive is 1 January 2011? If so, when will the heads of the Bill be approved? Has it been discussed by Cabinet? Have drafts been drawn up? What is the situation regarding the legislation?

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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I understand the heads of a Bill are currently being prepared but I cannot give a time as to when they will be brought to the Government.