Dáil debates
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Order of Business
10:30 am
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is proposed to take No.13, motion re 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, back from committee; No.22, Industrial Relations (Amendment) Bill 2009 [Seanad] - Second Stage (resumed); and No. 1, Criminal Procedure Bill 2009 [Seanad] - Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No.13 shall be decided without debate.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the proposal for dealing with No. 13 agreed?
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Before we can agree to that I have a question for the Tánaiste. Will she attend the House later today, and will the Government make time to detail to the House what this State's approach will be at the very important conferences taking place today concerning the difficulties of Greece? The impact of the economic and fiscal crisis in Greece could have profound implications across the eurozone and there are profound implications for the zone's currency of which we are part. This House has no knowledge of the approach of the Government, its policy or any proposals it may make. In the context of a very deep crisis which will impact across the eurozone it is appropriate that we should know where the Government stands and what proposals it will bring forward.
Will the Tánaiste confirm that the Government will order, as a matter of priority, a report to this House next week on the result of the meetings taking place today, and that there will be an opportunity for Members to debate whatever communiqué is issued today and whatever policies are adopted by the Heads of State?
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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On the same issue, my party would welcome an opportunity to debate in the House the nature of the Government policy towards the financial crisis in Europe. It is important that our Government should set out a position supporting the recovery of weaker countries in Europe from the current difficulties in the financial markets, especially because this country, in particular our banking system, has benefited to a very significant extent by support from the European Central Bank.
The Heads of State who are attending the meeting with Mr.van Rompuy are to be accompanied by one aide only. We have not heard-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are getting into inappropriate detail.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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-----who will be the person representing Ireland.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is inappropriate for the Order of Business.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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We have heard no exposition of what the Irish position will be other than that the new Irish Commissioner, who will be attending the meeting, said today she was not free to comment and that it was a matter for the Taoiseach. We do not know who will accompany the Taoiseach.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, please. We are going into unnecessary detail.
John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Are you available, Joan?
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It used to be our Minister for Foreign Affairs but that is no longer the case and the description in the information from the EU concerning the meeting states merely "one aide". We do not know what position our country will bring to the meeting in respect of the financial crisis in Europe.
On a related matter, there is as yet no revised plan from the Government in regard to NAMA but it is clear to everybody that the financial plan for NAMA produced in this House some months ago has been completely washed away-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is out of order.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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-----by the fact that property values are far lower than even the Government had anticipated they would be.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I support Deputy Shatter's request that the Tánaiste provide an opportunity for the House to discuss the economic crisis in Greece and how it will impact on other member states. I am very conscious also of the prospective realities that will present if the European Central Bank rate starts to increase-----
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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-----leaving a second tranche of people in great difficulty with mortgage repayments
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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May we have some attention for the Deputy in possession please?
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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The prospect of the emerging recovery in Germany and France and the likelihood of the European Central Bank increasing its base rate at some point during the course of the months ahead will have a huge negative impact on many mortgage holders' families in this State. We need to address this and consider what, if any, impact we can have as a collective European zone area within the ECB decision making process. I ask that this issue be accommodated.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is going into too much detail on the Order of Business.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Yesterday, I asked the Taoiseach on the Order of Business if he would arrange for the Ceann Comhairle to host an opportunity in the House to address the serious situation regarding the signalled loss of 750 jobs in Halifax Bank, the Bank of Scotland (Ireland) institution in this State, with the resultant closure of a branch network across the jurisdiction.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I remind the Deputy we are on the Order of Business.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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This is a reasonable question. Will the Tánaiste accommodate an opportunity for the House to address this matter with her, as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and with the Minister for Finance? This debate would take place against the backdrop of the likelihood of there being even more job losses within the overall banking sector among ordinary workers in those institutions.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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This is an informal Council which will follow the normal procedures of an informal Council. There is no change in procedure. As we all know, we have a greater opportunity at informal Councils to have political conversations on issues. I assure Members that the normal format of an informal Council is proceeding. It would not be opportune today to discuss what is on the agenda of the informal Council. However, although it is not the norm after an informal Council to make statements to the House - that usually happens after spring Council - I will, in the context of the serious issues that will be raised, speak to the Taoiseach with regard to providing an opportunity next week to discuss the outcome of the deliberations. It is important to point out, as was stated by many Heads of State last night, that we will be very supportive of our partners within the European Union because it is only through solidarity that all members of the Union will be in a position to have economic stability, sustainability and economic growth.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I seek an assurance on this important issue.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I need a decision on the proposal. We cannot have further elaboration on the matter. I allowed considerable latitude and the Tánaiste replied.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I seek clarification of her response. The Tánaiste said this is an informal Council. One of the principles behind the Lisbon treaty was to bring transparency to European Union business. Rather than the Tánaiste simply saying she will request of the Taoiseach that there be statements to the House next week, will she confirm to the House that there will be such statements? Will she also convey to the Taoiseach that one of the issues that should be discussed at this informal Council meeting today is the importance of greater discipline in the European Union countries with regard to compiling economic data?
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will not allow Deputy Shatter to broaden the debate on this matter. I allowed considerable latitude earlier.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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If there was greater discipline, many countries, including Ireland, would not be in the difficulties they are in. The House is entitled to an assurance that it will have statements. This meeting is being discussed on every radio and television station.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Yes, and we have had contributions from all of the principal Opposition parties.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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If the Government will not provide clarity today on its approach to this crucial issue, which affects this State and Greece and may affect other European Union States, we are entitled to know there will, at least, be statements in the House next week and to be assured of that. I want that assurance from the Tánaiste. If we do not get that assurance, we will vote on the Order of Business. May we have that assurance from the Tánaiste?
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I want to move on to the proposal.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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If the Deputy wants to act like a spoiled child, that is fine. I do not believe the eloquence of this House will add much to what will be discussed at the Council meeting, because it has not even started. I indicated that in normal circumstances we do not have statements after an informal Council meeting. We are now in a post-Lisbon situation and in that context I gave an undertaking that through the Whips the Government would, if it is feasible, have statements following the informal Council meeting. It is appropriate to allow the business of the House to be discussed by the Whips and it is they who will determine what time can be made available on the basis of the availability of people to speak.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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It is the Government that controls the business of the House.
Question, "That the proposal for dealing with No. 13, without debate, be agreed to," put and declared carried.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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With regard to the legislative programme and Bills expected to be published and in the context of the ongoing banking crisis, will the Tánaiste indicate when the Central Bank Bill will finally be published? This has been promised for over 12 months, but there is no sign of it coming into the House. This is crucial legislation for the restructuring of the Central Bank and the Financial Services Authority of Ireland. In the context of the crisis we are in the midst of, there is no excuse for the delay on this legislation. In a similar vein, when will we see the company law consolidation and reform Bill? This is essential legislation, but it is only on the "B" list. We have been told the heads have been agreed and the Bill is being drafted. Will both of these Bills be published before Easter?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The question on the Central Bank Bill was answered yesterday in the House. The heads of the Central Bank Bill were agreed by Cabinet on Tuesday and drafting of the Bill is proceeding. It is proposed the Bill will be available before Easter. The company law consolidation and reform Bill is a huge piece of legislation and I will not be in a position to bring it to the House before Easter. It will be introduced in the final quarter of the year.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Those of us who were privileged to be in this House in July 1990 will always remember the occasion when Nelson Mandela addressed the House. Today, on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his release, it is appropriate to remember a man who persevered all his life for what he believed in pursuit of the rights of his people, who suffered enormously for his beliefs and made such a difference to the world and his country.
Yesterday the Taoiseach told me the first the Government heard of the job losses in Bank of Scotland (Ireland) was when the Tánaiste's Department was notified of the redundancies, but he did not seem to know if anybody had ever talked to people from the Bank of Scotland about measures that might save the jobs. As line Minister with responsibility for employment, has the Tánaiste had any contact with the Bank of Scotland with a view to saving jobs in the bank here?
With regard to another matter connected to the Tánaiste's Department, one of the newspapers this morning reported that the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment produced a report on the FÁS science challenge programme. The Tánaiste will recall this was the programme which gave occasion for so many FÁS executives and Ministers to travel to Florida. The programme apparently cost €7.8 million. I note the headline in the Irish Independent described it as a "waste of space".
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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This really should be the subject of a Parliamentary Question.
John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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It is the Order of Business, not Leaders' Questions.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is the difficulty. We do not have provision for Leaders' Questions on a Thursday morning, or even for Question Time.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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In what respect am I out of order, a Cheann Comhairle?
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is promised business, legislation-----
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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It is a report commissioned by a Department. If the Ceann Comhairle had waited, he would have heard the question, which is to ask the Tánaiste when that report will be laid before the House, which is perfectly in order.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I know the Tánaiste has many reports crossing her desk and I wanted to describe the nature of the report so that she would be able to give me an accurate reply. When will the report we have read about this morning in the Irish Independent, which was obtained by that newspaper under freedom of information provisions and which concerns the waste of space, the €7.8 million spent on the space challenge programme and all the trips to Florida, be laid before the House?
The third matter I want to raise with the Tánaiste concerns a matter pursued by Deputy Róisín Shortall in the Joint Committee on Health and Children in the past couple of days and about which Deputy Jan O'Sullivan will table a motion before that committee, namely, the utterly dysfunctional nature of the processing of medical cards for over 70s, which was centralised.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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It has become utterly dysfunctional and, apparently, the HSE now has a proposal that will centralise all of the processing of medical cards. This is removing the access people have to local offices to pursue their application, and sometimes maybe talk with the official dealing with it-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are straying from the Order of Business.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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-----by sending it into some centralised office. My colleague, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, is tabling a motion for the health committee that there should be no further centralisation of medical card processing until the health committee has an opportunity to examine the dysfunctionality which is already evident in the dealing with the over 70s medical cards. Will the Government agree to that motion and agree there will be no further centralisation of the medical cards?
While I am on that subject, following an article in yesterday's The Irish Times, is it true that HSE directors will get an increase of 5.5%, as reported?
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is abusing the Order of Business.
Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Of course, they are. Why would they not? They are doing a great job.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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On the same subject, does the Tánaiste agree that what is happening in regard to medical cards at present is a complete shambles? Will she arrange with the Taoiseach and the line Minister that this decision previously made be revoked and that people seeking medical cards have their applications processed with proper speed?
On the second issue raised, while mentioning FÁS, perhaps the Tánaiste will tell us why six of the people she recently appointed to the FÁS board - or certainly a portion of the six she directly appointed who did not officially apply to be on it, so far as we understand - all seem to have political connections?
John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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We are on the Order of Business.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Yes, we are on the Order of Business.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am surprised that the Deputy reads the Irish Daily Mail. I would not have thought it was one of the newspapers on his list in the morning.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Tánaiste would be surprised what I read.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Although well outside the remit of the Order of Business, I would like to answer a number of the points. On the issue of Halifax, the Taoiseach indicated that we were officially notified. A letter was handed in to my Department officially, indicating that under the collective redundancy side of the Redundancy Payments Act a decision was made by Bank of Scotland that it was letting go 750 people and was removing the retail side of its banking. It is important to note that it will retain 850 people in this country. The company also advised the Taoiseach's office of its decision similarly. That is the official notification.
It is important to say that the bank has been in discussions with the Department of Finance for a considerable period of time, whereby it was facilitated in the best way possible in looking at alternatives to this decision. Unfortunately, however, following on from those considerations, it was not in a position to continue with the banking facilities it provided in this country.
On my involvement, I spoke to some senior people in the bank yesterday. It is now a process of discussion with the unions. They have advised me and I have made available to them my personal time, at any time, to discuss any issues that may arise, as I have done and will continue to do for any company. I have received assurances, as the Minister with responsibility for consumer affairs, that the consumers who will be affected in this will be fully informed and that they will continue to have services made available to them from the bank.
On the next issue, I asked for an internal review of the science challenge in December 2008. That review was completed in April last year and, following on from my receipt of that document, I closed down the science challenge immediately. All existing commitments have been met and the programme has been closed. As the Deputy knows, a new board has been appointed on the basis of experience and expertise-----
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Our party has had an impact.
Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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It used all the scare tactics it used on Mr. Lee in recent days.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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-----on the basis that corporate governance issues have been addressed in the context of a considerable amount of work that has been done by the director general and the temporary director general, as well as the previous board. All of these issues have been dealt with. The Committee of Public Accounts is continuing its deliberations on this matter.
The board met for the first time yesterday, for a considerable period of time, to consider the future of FÁS and the need to ensure it turns itself around and is very much ad idem with the needs of those who are unemployed in this country.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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How many of the six appointed by the Tánaiste had party affiliations?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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For the Deputy's benefit, I appointed all of the members of the board.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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There were six who were on the Tánaiste's recommendation entirely.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Many people - some 270 - applied for consideration. Several people who applied for consideration have also been appointed. It is important to say-----
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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How many who did not apply got appointed because of party affiliations?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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If Deputy Shatter has any interest, I would be more than happy to answer a Parliamentary Question on that.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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There were six of them.
Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Six out of six.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is important to say that the chairman and the board are working to ensure that FÁS finds itself in the position in which it should be-----
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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One Green and five Fianna Fáilers.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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-----which is to have a reputation as the best State training facility in this country.
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Not very successfully.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy worked very closely with FÁS in his own day-to-day business and he knows of the calibre, in particular, of the people in the front line. It is not a slur on those people either.
On the issue of the medical cards, this was answered yesterday.
Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Get FÁS to deal with it.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There are difficulties, as the Minister indicated. I am sure the Deputy will raise these issues in the context of her deliberations within the committee. It is clearly the intention of the HSE that the way in which the services will be delivered will be in the most efficient and effective way, on the basis that we have very scarce resources and it is a way in which we can reduce costs and bring in efficiencies-----
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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It clearly will not do that.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On the final issue that was raised in regard to senior management grades, the Minister has not made any determination on that matter.
As a final comment and to agree with the Deputy, I was here in 1990 when Nelson Mandela came to the House. There are many celebrations, as we know, and the calibre of the man and what he brought to his people in South Africa is certainly worth celebrating and making public comment on this afternoon.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I thank the Tánaiste for being more forthcoming in reply to the question about Halifax than the Taoiseach was yesterday.
11:00 am
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will have to find another way to elaborate on this. I will allow a very brief observation.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I am obliged. The question I was pursuing yesterday with the Taoiseach is what efforts the Government has made or is making to save the jobs at Halifax and in respect of the people who have mortgages with that bank. I made the point that in many cases these are 100% mortgages, some of which might now be more exposed than would otherwise be the case. The Tánaiste has confirmed that the Government knew some time ago what Halifax had in mind. While official notification in this regard only came in the day before yesterday the Government knew about it.
Perhaps the Tánaiste will tell the House what efforts the Government or she has made to save jobs at Halifax and to address the needs of the people who hold mortgages with that company.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Tánaiste to give a brief reply as this is not Question Time.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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It is not appropriate to speak on the floor of the House about discussions that took between the Department of Finance, Financial Regulator and the bank.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The situation was worked through by the Department in the context of-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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It is not a secret that 750 people are going to lose their jobs.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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-----the difficulties the bank had in this country-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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We need a banking system.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Barrett please allow the Tánaiste to reply without interruption.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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-----and on the basis of the restructuring that is taking place in the banking sector worldwide. On the issue of mortgage holders-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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What is all the secrecy about?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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-----Halifax mortgage holders did not interact at retail level but with a customer care support section of the bank and this will continue. Anyone experiencing difficulty will receive support from the bank's customer care support service with whom they have always interacted. I have been given an assurance by Halifax that it will be, as indicated by the Taoiseach, contacting all its customers to ensure any supports necessary are provided forthwith.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I do not wish to be vexatious a Cheann Comhairle, but as that issue has been raised I would like to make a brief comment. I reject the Tánaiste's notion that it is inappropriate to discuss the matter on the floor of this House. I raised the matter yesterday with the Taoiseach and again this morning asked the Tánaiste, who has not yet replied to my question, if this matter in regard to Halifax will be addressed here and if she will report to the House the efforts she and the Government has made, in terms of engagement with Halifax, to save the jobs of 750 employees and their dependants.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy can raise this issue at the Whips' meeting.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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This is to do with the citizen's of the State who have no banking system.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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It is important that this is done. It is also important in the context of not alone trying to save these jobs but of saving countless hundreds of other jobs within that sector.
I ask the Tánaiste to join with me in wishing Muscular Dystrophy Ireland every success with its information day on Sunday 14 February 2010, a date people will associate with something else entirely. However, this weekend Muscular Dystrophy Ireland will be promoting its information day. It is important that this matter be referred to here and given the oxygen of publicity and attention by the media from this morning. I ask the Tánaiste to indicate that the Government will take on board the result of the report of the survey of all those with muscular dystrophy throughout the country and their families as they cope-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will have to find an alternative way of dealing with this matter.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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-----and that it will take on board the salient recommendations and act appropriately.
My final question relates to promised legislation. I preface my question by commending the Joint Committee on Health and Children on its publication yesterday of its second report on primary care in the community, a fine report on which much excellent work has been done. The report which was launched yesterday highlights the disgracefully under-resourced primary care centre roll-out to which the Government is supposedly committed. Real action on the part of Government is required. The report highlights two pieces of legislation-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does the Deputy have a question on promised legislation?
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I am asking if the Government will take on board the urging of an all-party Oireachtas committee in regard to the health information Bill and the eligibility for health and personal social services Bill, both of which I have inquired about and pressed for over a considerable period. These Bills have been repeatedly delayed by the Department of Health and Children. There appears to be no willingness on the part of Government to grapple with the importance of both pieces of legislation. Mention was made earlier of medical cards. The eligibility for health and personal social services Bill-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Ó Caoláin is completely out of order.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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It is imperative the eligibility for health and personal social services Bill is introduced.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call on the Tánaiste for a brief reply.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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On the last issue raised by Deputy Ó Caoláin-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will come back to the Deputy. The list of Members' wishing to raise queries is lengthy.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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The eligibility for health and personal social services Bill is crucial-----
John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Ridiculous questions.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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-----in terms of the primary care teams being able to work properly, which was a major recommendation of the report launched yesterday. I support Deputy Ó Caoláin on that matter. Perhaps the Ceann Comhairle will come back to me later on the other issues I wish to raise.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Yes. I call on the Tánaiste to reply.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The health information Bill will be introduced in the middle of this year. No date has yet been fixed in respect of the other legislation.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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There are three issues I wish to raise. Promised legislation is respect of-----
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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The word "ridiculous" was used by a Member on the opposite side in the context of the questions I asked. I say to that Member that the only thing that is ridiculous-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Ó Caoláin, please.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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-----is the ludicrous response of the Tánaiste and representatives of this Government on this most important issue.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Deputy to show some respect for the order of the House.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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It is ridiculous a Cheann Comhairle.
Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Would it be out of order to note the nine interruptions from-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Durkan to continue.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Perhaps Members of the Government benches will cease interrupting and allow me to get on with my questions. The issue of mortgage arrears has been repeatedly referred to. Legislation on this matter was promised in the House by the Minister during the passage of the NAMA legislation. What discussions have taken place since with a view to introducing legislation in this House to address the needs of people who are racking up mortgage arrears, many of whom are unemployed and have no possibility of tackling their problems. Perhaps the Tánaiste will address that question first.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach has indicated on a number of occasions that the Government is working through a legislative process in terms of devising a formula to deal with people who find themselves in difficulty with mortgages.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Can the Tánaiste indicate the timeframe involved?
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Time is running out.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does the Deputy have a second query on promised legislation?
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Another issue on which the Tánaiste might be able to update the House is the discussions that have taken place with the The Thalidomide Association of Ireland having particular regard to recent developments. Yesterday, the Taoiseach was asked-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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This matter was dealt with yesterday.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It is a serious and urgent issue. I know that the Tánaiste will want to respond on the matter.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach indicated yesterday that the State's claims agency is bringing a report to the Minister this month. There has been no change since yesterday.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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There was a request for a meeting with the Taoiseach or Minister. My final question relates to unanswered parliamentary questions, which is an important and growing issue.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I must stop the Deputy now.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I know what the Ceann Comhairle is going to say.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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This matter was is under consideration.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Perhaps the Ceann Comhairle will repeat what he said.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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This matter is under consideration.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The matter was raised at a meeting yesterday of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and is under consideration.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy did not answer too many journalists' questions.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Deputy to allow the matter to rest for the moment.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I am delighted to hear that. It may well suit Government to have rafts of parliamentary questions unanswered but it does not suit the Opposition.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Seán Power.
Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Two Members who are unable to be present in the House this morning for different reasons have asked me to raise some issues with the Tánaiste. The first is a question of behalf of Deputy Richard Bruton who is anxious to know if it is the Government's intention to support the candidature of Ms Harriet Harman MP or if it will be putting forward its own candidate.
Deputy Kenny has asked me to ask the Tánaiste-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy needs to look at the problems within his own party.
Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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-----and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are any suitable FÁS courses-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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There are enough problems on that side of the House that need sorting out.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Power is out of order.
Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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-----for someone looking to up their game.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Power is a smart ass and should look at the problems within his own party.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will Deputies please refrain from interrupting? I call Deputy Crawford.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Ceann Comhairle did not interrupt Deputy Seán Power on an issue that had nothing to do with the Order of Business.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Barrett is interrupting his party colleague.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Ceann Comhairle did not interrupt him.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Barrett should refrain from interrupting the House. I call Deputy Crawford.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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It is a disgrace the way the Ceann Comhairle is running this House. Medical cards cannot be mentioned.
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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This Order of Business has reached a new low.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Let us keep it in order. Does the Deputy have a query on promised business or legislation?
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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Absolutely. It is vital to discuss medical cards, home helps and related issues. There is no point in our seeking legislation that is on the B list, but I am referring to one on the A list regarding health. The nurses and midwives Bill will at least bring the Minister for Health and Children into this House and perhaps force her to answer some questions on the real problems of this country.
A 94 year old man was refused payment for either home care or his home help.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are many other ways the Deputy can raise this matter.
Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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The social welfare Bill is on the A list, so when will it be brought before the House in order that we can have a full and frank discussion on these matters? They are a lot more important than those raised by the last speaker.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The nurses and midwives Bill has been agreed and will be in the House shortly. The social welfare Bill will be taken in this session.
Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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I wish to ask the Tánaiste about two items. The first is the National Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill, which is a bit of a mouthful. It is a crucial piece of legislation which will deal with the regulation of property management agents, auctioneers and letting agents. The Bill was four years in the making.
Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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It was before the Deputy's time.
Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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It has been before this House on two occasions, but was withdrawn. In the meantime an office was established in Navan, County Meath, which is another quango. To date, that office has incurred costs of €2 million, yet apartment owners have nobody to turn to concerning the problems they are experiencing on a daily basis, given the rip-off fees they are charged for management services. The Bill is currently before the Seanad and is interlinked with the Multi-Unit Development Bill. As Deputy Rabbitte said last week, however, it seems to be buried in the Seanad. Can the Tánaiste provide an update on when Committee Stage will be taken in the Seanad and when it will come before the Dáil?
The second issue concerns Cadbury Ireland, which was raised on the Order of Business last week by Deputy Bruton. Can the Tánaiste say when she will be meeting the Kraft management in order to save the 1,200 jobs which are now under threat in Cadbury Ireland?
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I understand the legislation is in the Seanad.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Both Bills are in the Seanad. As regards the Multi-Unit Development Bill, the Taoiseach indicated that a considerable number of new amendments are to be introduced, but work is ongoing in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on that matter.
On Cadbury Ireland, as I indicated last week, we are working closely with the company through the offices of Enterprise Ireland. When that work has been completed we will be meeting the management on the matter. I can speak to the Deputy privately about that.
Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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On the same matter, Deputy Terence Flanagan is wrong about one issue. This has been going on for eight years, not four.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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I want to ask about the human tissue Bill. As the Tánaiste will know, Parents for Justice is an organisation representing parents of deceased children whose organs were taken from their bodies without permission. The organisation has been promised a response first to the Dunne report and then to the Madden report, but there is no indication of when this will happen. They are a particularly vulnerable group of parents who have been promised some response, but it has not been forthcoming. The Government should respond to them.
I will keep asking about head shops until we get results. Legislation has been promised but has there been any progress in this regard? The Minister of State, Deputy Curran, was here earlier and I am sure he will have briefed the Tánaiste on whether there has been any progress on various aspects on this matter. Action may possibly be required under planning legislation and the Misuse of Drugs Act. Other legislation may also be needed. Has there been any progress in this regard? The issue has gone from Joe Duffy's agenda, but it must stay on ours because young people's lives are in danger.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the matter has not gone from our agenda, which is the most important one in the House. The Department is currently preparing regulations to be introduced. That is being done under the auspices of the Department of Health and Children. In addition, the Minister of State, Deputy John Curran, is examining other legislative options that may have to be introduced.
The heads of the human tissue Bill have been circulated to Departments for their consideration. I will obtain an update for the Deputy as to when the Minister expects to bring it to Government.
Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Yesterday, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources heard a powerful testimony from a group of coal miners. This small group comprises men who are sick, some dying, as a result of the work they did in harsh conditions to serve this country. They have never received redress.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is the Order of Business.
Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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I have a question which is absolutely legitimate. They raised the issue of reports that were, or should have been, prepared by the inspector of mines and quarries. This is based on a statutory requirement, a duty of care by the State to protect miners working from 1965 to 1989, before the Health and Safety office was established. Those records are not available.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are many other ways this matter could be raised, including on the Adjournment or by tabling a parliamentary question.
Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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I ask the Tánaiste to ensure that those reports are laid before the House in the interests of people who are now suffering severe ill health because of neglect by the State and the private mine owners. I urge her to do something practical that will make a real difference to the lives of these men.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I strongly support the sentiments expressed by Deputy McManus.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I have not had notice of what the Deputy was going to raise, so I will revert to her on that matter.
Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Given what the Garda Síochána inspector has said about the reduction in the number of Garda stations, may I ask the Tánaiste-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is material for a parliamentary question.
Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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I am referring to a piece of legislation as well. There is a proposal for a substantial number of Garda stations to be closed throughout the country with all the repercussions that may have for communities. Will the Tánaiste confirm whether or not Fitzgibbon Street Garda station, in my own constituency, is going to close, and Mountjoy Garda station also?
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot expect the Tánaiste to have those details on the Order of Business.
Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Item 17 is the criminal law (defence of life and property) Bill. Many lives and much property will be at stake concerning this matter and local communities are extremely concerned about the new proposals, which were originally proposed by former Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Michael McDowell.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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That legislation will be brought to Government soon and we hope to have it introduced quickly in the House.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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More than a week ago, the Minister for Finance advised the House that he was devolving a significant number of functions from his Department to the National Treasury Management Agency concerning the management and restructuring of banking in Ireland. He advised us that he was consulting the Attorney General with a view to placing an order before the House. In the context of the employment crisis-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is looking for details which we cannot expect to be available for the Order of Business.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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She is perfectly in order.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are so many other times on which these sort of matters can be raised.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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On a point of order, Deputy Burton is perfectly in order in asking about this particular matter. With respect, I do not think the Ceann Comhairle should interrupt her when she is perfectly in order. Second, I draw to the Ceann Comhairle's attention that he repeatedly interrupts Deputy Burton every time she raises matters on the Order of Business.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Okay. Can the Deputy summarise briefly?
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle and I appreciate his new approach. There is a crisis of employment in banking where a number of foreign banks are poised if they could to leave Ireland with consequent serious loss of employment in the banking sector as well as deleveraging and loss of employment in the six guaranteed banks. The Tánaiste is in charge of employment policy in the country. This is potentially a massive loss of employment in addition to what has happened to Halifax. Where are we now placed? In an earlier reply to the leader of the Labour Party, the Tánaiste said that the Department of Finance had been in some kind of detailed discussion about Halifax. Approximately ten days ago the Minister for Finance announced he is to devolve the management of banking and restructuring to the NTMA. He advised the House he was consulting the Attorney General with a view to creating an order in respect of this, which would be placed before the House. I get the impression that the Government is aimless and rudderless regarding the crisis of employment in banking.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I have allowed the latitude.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Tánaiste is the line Minister responsible for employment. Does she have any idea when the Minister for Finance will resolve the issue as to who is in charge of looking at employment in the banking sector? What is happening regarding the Attorney General and the order to be placed before the House regarding responsibility for banking being significantly devolved to the NTMA as per the Minister for Finance?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Clearly there has been no determination as to when that order will be placed before the House. I gave an assurance as did the Minister that political responsibility will remain with the Minister for Finance. I have been working with the financial services sector and the union representatives since I was appointed as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. We are working at new opportunities in the context of the financial services sector. The financial services sector continues to remain very important to the country. Per capita we have the greatest presence in the financial services sector in the world. It will continue to be a very important asset in the creation and support of employment here.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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With respect, this year we are on the brink of losing thousands of jobs.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Tánaiste would not react on SR Technics or Waterford Glass.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is abusing the Order of Business.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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She has nothing to say about the 1,200 Cadbury jobs between Coolock and Kerry.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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She has nothing to say on any of these and there are several thousand jobs-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are so many other ways the Deputy can raise these matters in the House, but not on the Order of Business.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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-----sold down the Suwannee and she has nothing to offer the House.
Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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The Tánaiste did not implement one of the 20 recommendations of the report for the mid-west.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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-----matters like the regeneration in Limerick, which were meant to generate local employment in long-term black spots, have been abandoned.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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If I am not going to be protected by the House from accusations that are thrown out lightly without the opportunity to give a full response-----
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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They are not accusations; they are facts.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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If the Tánaiste wants to discuss the facts, I am happy to do so.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Deputy to resume her seat.
Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I wish to raise three matters. When will the dormant accounts Bill be before the Dáil?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am not completely incompetent.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I did not say anything about the Tánaiste's competence.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Burton, please. Deputy Ring is in possession.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Perhaps it was a voice behind her.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I did hear the comment though. I think it came from behind the Tánaiste.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask Deputy Burton to refrain and allow Deputy Ring to speak.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Tánaiste talked to me and did not direct her remarks through the Chair. I did not comment on her competence. That is for others.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask for Deputy Burton's co-operation.
Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I wish to raise three matters. When will the dormant accounts Bill be before the House? When will the Údarás na Gaeltachta Bill be before the House? Will the Údarás elections proceed or is legislation required? I would hope the Bill will be before the House shortly because people need to know what is happening with the Údarás and what changes will take place.
When will the Government sit down with the unions on the go-slow in the public sector? It is having a major effect on how this House works. While it does not matter about us, the affairs of the people on the ground are being affected. We cannot get replies to parliamentary questions to the Minister for Social and Family Affairs. This cannot continue. We need the Department to be working. It is time the Government and unions sat down to try to resolve the matter.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The dormant accounts Bill will be published later this year. Unfortunately there is no date on Údarás na Gaeltachta, but I shall get an update from the Minister, Deputy Ó Cuív, on the Deputy's behalf.
I appreciate what the Deputy is saying about the work to rule in the public sector. It is important to reiterate that the Government is open to discussions in the context of not just this issue but also reform of the Civil Service and the public sector. The Minister for Finance, as the public service employer, is more than open for consultation and discussions on the issue.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Government has put the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act into abeyance. I do not recall it happening before. There is a special school in my constituency in which the Minister has decided that 12 of the 17 SNAs must be made redundant by summer and the first batch of them by the middle of February. There are 90-----
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should table a parliamentary question on the matter.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Perhaps I could prevail on the Ceann Comhairle to call me on the Adjournment on the matter. These 90 pupils with special needs in a school under great pressure are among the most vulnerable in our society. It is not appropriate to cut the number of SNAs from 17 to five and threaten to come back take out some of the teachers. Whatever we need to do in this environment of cuts, I suggest to the Tánaiste that we should protect the children with special needs.
Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is there any legislation in this area?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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There is no legislation on the issue of SNAs. As we know there has been a review of the SNAs for some time. There has been no change in the criteria.
Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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The Government has just been sacking 1,200 SNAs.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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The scheme has not changed and there has not been any change in the criteria. As the Deputy knows, we are all aware of issues that arise. I ask the Deputy to give me the name of the school so that I can facilitate a conversation with the Minister.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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It is St. Joseph's special school in Balrothery in Tallaght.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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I am not the line Minister with responsibility for education. I believe the council met representatives of the school on 8 January. Apparently 90 children are enrolled and there has been a review where the school was unable to provide evidence or substantiate the eligibility of a substantial number of pupils. In normal circumstances this would lead to a reduction in SNA cover. However, the organisation, NCSE, is to work with the school on the development of a basis on which it can manage the issue. However, I can ask the Minister for Education and Science to get an update for the Deputy in the first instance.
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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I thank the Tánaiste for that. The Tánaiste's note is out of date. A meeting took place yesterday and the redundancies are proceeding. I would be grateful if the Tánaiste should intercede with the Minister for Education and Science.
Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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I wish to raise three issues. One issue was raised in the House some weeks ago relating to the redress legislation that provides for the making of compensation payments to the victims of institutional abuse. I understand that the Departments of Education and Science, and Justice, Equality and Law Reform have both accepted that the State was directly involved in women being sent to the Magdalene laundries where, as we know, many were very cruelly treated. Based on the fact that this is now accepted - I am aware it is a matter under consideration - does the Government intend to introduce an amendment to the Residential Institutions Redress Act to extend the redress board's remit to provide for compensation payments to the women who suffered so greatly in the Magdalene laundries?
Under the heading "Bills in respect of which heads have yet to be approved by Government" in the Government's legislative programme, No. 75 is the family law Bill, which has been promised since the general election of May 2007. That Bill seeks to provide some additional protection for women, particularly, with regard to pensions. Given that Sunday next is St. Valentine's Day, and this Bill is designed to provide protection, essentially, to married women, is there any possibility the Government could give some priority to the publication of this legislation? We do not even have the heads of the Bill as yet. I will happily draft this Bill as a Private Members' Bill in the space of 24 hours if the Government is willing to take on board the measures that are needed. What needs to be done in this area is not controversial, and has been known for a very long time. I ask the Tánaiste that priority be given to it.
The Tánaiste might have been following the difficulties and troubles of the Irish women bobsleigh team in the Winter Olympics. The Australians and now the Brazilians have been trying to ensure that the Irish team does not compete. In the circumstances, the Government might, by way of démarche, make it known to the Brazilians that we should like them to back off. This House should wish the members of that team well in the Winter Olympics, which are starting this weekend.
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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On the issue the Deputy raised on an amendment to the redress board, the Government has not finally considered this matter, on the basis that the Minister has yet to bring it to Cabinet. Draft heads are in preparation as regards the family law Bill, but have not been completed as of yet.
Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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I recently obtained some figures from the Minister of State, Deputy Barry Andrews as part of a reply to a parliamentary question, regarding sports organisations and the vetting of employees and volunteers. Some of these were very good and indicated that a very high number had gone through the process, but quite a number had not. Will the Tánaiste say when the national vetting bureau Bill will be taken?
A number of serious issues have arisen recently regarding animal welfare, particularly non-thoroughbred horses. Will the Tánaiste say when the animal health and welfare Bill will be?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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With regard to the animal health and welfare Bill unfortunately no date has been finalised by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The vetting legislation will be introduced this year.
Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Cén dul chun cinn atá déanta i leith na reachtaíochta atá geallta maidir le sainmhíniú nua ar cad is Gaeltacht ann agus ar teorainneacha na Gaeltachta, agus i leith na reachtáiochta atá geallta do Údarás na Gaeltachta? An é Údarás na Gaeltachta nó Údarás na Gaeilge a mbeidh i gceist?
Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Mar atá fhios ag an Teachta, tá tuarascáil á láinseáil ag an Aire fhéin. Sílim go raibh díospóireacht ins an gchomchoiste fosta, agus go raibh siad ag éisteacht le muintir na Gaeltachta fosta shíos i gContae na Gaillimhe. Ag éirigh as sin, i mo tuairimse, beidh dlí úr os ár gcomhair. Tá siad ag caint faoi Údarás na Gaeilge taobh amuigh do Údarás na Gaeltachta atá ann ag an nóiméad seo, ach níl sé socraithe go fóill. 'Sé an fá nach bfhuil sé socraithe go fóill ná nach bhful an Bille úr ach beagnach réidh. Níl an dáta socraithe mar sin.