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

It is proposed to take No. 12a, motion re membership of committees and No. 4, Education (Amendment) Bill 2010 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 12a shall be decided without debate. Private Members' business shall be No. 75, motion re fuel poverty (resumed), to conclude at 8.30 p.m. tonight if not previously concluded.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is one proposal to be put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 12a without debate agreed to? Agreed.

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

I note the European Commission indicated yesterday that the Government's four year fiscal plan would be submitted on 4 November. I had not heard that date mentioned previously. Will the Taoiseach confirm that this is the date by which the Government intends to submit its four year plan? Will he give a commitment that the proposals in the four year plan will be debated in the House before 7 December, the date of the budget? Second, I refer to a situation that has arisen regarding the proposed national children's hospital and the legislation covering it. I note the comments made yesterday to the effect that work would start and regarding a proposed opening date for this children's facility. However, it appears as though this project is to go ahead-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, we are on the Order of Business and this is not appropriate.

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

I will conclude within 30 seconds. It will go ahead even though consideration of how to raise the €100 million that was to be raised through philanthropic donations has yet even to begin. This constitutes an enormous sum of money and as the Taoiseach is aware, given the general economic circumstances charities are experiencing an extremely difficult time in raising money from consumers and people who simply do not have it.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Kenny.

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

I ask the Taoiseach to comment. This proposal appears to be going ahead with at least €100 million of a shortfall. Has the Taoiseach reflected on this or will it emerge that a major element of this project will not be capable of completion?

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

If I may ask a question on the same issue but within the context of the Order of Business-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Just a question without the embellishment.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will try to impress the Ceann Comhairle. On the same issue, Members undoubtedly are eager to address this matter. Will the Taoiseach schedule, either for tomorrow or next week, an opportunity to address the subject of the national children's hospital and all the associated matters for debate, as well as the expected completion date in 2015? It is a major cause of worry and concern and is being discussed and debated in all the various media opportunities and in much wider fields. However, Members are not getting an opportunity to address properly this issue on the floor of the Parliament. I believe that a short period could be set aside for the spokespersons, the Minister who has-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This is not appropriate to the Order of Business.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I will conclude with this point. The Minister has made no substantive comment regarding the resignation of the chairman of the board in this instance. These all are matters that Members could address here.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, you promised there would be no embellishment but you are heavily into such embellishment.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Taoiseach be good enough to accommodate such an opportunity as early as possible?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach, briefly although this matter is not really appropriate to the Order of Business.

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

As for the first matter raised by Deputy Kenny, the four-year plan will be published in the first half of November but the exact date has not yet been selected by the Government. However, I have no idea why the spokesperson for Commissioner Rehn gave that date. It is inaccurate and contact has been made with the Commission to clarify the correct position. Consequently, it will be provided by mid-November to the Commission. Obviously, Members also will have an opportunity to discuss it in the House before the budget and that is a matter for the Whips.

On the question of the funding for the children's hospital, that is a matter for the development board. It is envisaged that there will be fundraising through research in universities and various philanthropic sources of funding, as well as research funding, etc. That is a matter for the development board itself to proceed with and I have no further comment to make.

In respect of the issue raised by Deputy Ó Caoláin, there are a number of ways in which matters can be addressed in the House and that is a matter for him to consider.

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

I wish to raise two matters with the Taoiseach. First, when replying to me during Leaders' Questions this morning, the Taoiseach suggested that the vouched fuel allowance announced in the budget was to apply only when the carbon levy was to be applied to solid fuels. I was somewhat surprised to hear this because, to my recollection, that distinction had not been made previously by either the Minister for Finance or any of the Ministers responsible. I have taken the opportunity to have the matter checked in the meantime and there is no such distinction. Indeed, a response given by the then Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Hanafin-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is a query on legislation coming?

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

Yes. In a reply to a parliamentary question tabled by Deputy O'Shea of 19 January 2010, the then Minister for Social and Family Affairs stated: "Before the tax is applied to fuels for home heating, arrangements are being made to assist those most at risk of fuel poverty." In other words, no distinction was drawn between home heating oil and solid fuels. Will the Taoiseach now take the opportunity to acknowledge that his reply to me earlier this morning was wrong? I ask him to correct the record of the House.

Second, I refer to the climate change Bill listed in section C of the Government's legislative programme and for which heads have yet to be approved by the Cabinet. In July 2009, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government announced that Government approval had been given for the drafting of a climate change Bill. At that time, he stated that it was hoped to have the Bill published in advance of the Copenhagen conference to be held in December 2009. The aforementioned Bill appears to be a long way yet from being drafted or prepared. Heads have not been prepared and it is one of the few Bills on the entire legislative list for which no indicative publication date is being given. Later today, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security will publish its own draft Bill on climate change, based on work carried out by my colleague, Deputy McManus. Given that the Government, and the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in particular, are keen on having a consensual approach to matters of national importance and that the Government is not in a position as yet to produce its own Bill, will the Government accept the Bill that has all-party agreement on the Oireachtas joint committee and that is to be published later today? This would mean the important matter of climate change would be addressed in the House and that a climate change Bill would be debated and hopefully enacted by it?

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

In respect of the first matter, my understanding was that at the time of the discussion, the voucher associated with the vouched fuel scheme related to the need to deal with a solid fuel issue arising from the importation of lower grade coal and peat products, possibly from Northern Ireland. There was some indication that a vouched scheme was required for that purpose. I take the point that the then Minister for Social and Family Affairs was suggesting that from her perspective, she obviously wanted to see all recipients dealt with. As I understand it, the overall affordable fuel strategy is at an advanced stage and has yet to come before the Government. However, I cannot be any more specific than that. I referred to the point that at the time of the discussions when the carbon levy was being introduced, the need to deal with that solid fuel issue was high on the agenda because of the problem of the possibility of lower grade imports coming into the jurisdiction.

On the question regarding the climate change Bill, the heads, which will set out the proposed structure and provisions of the Bill in greater detail, are at an advanced stage and I expect them to be brought before the Government soon. Following their approval by the Government, the heads will provide the basis for full stakeholder consultation on the proposed provisions of the Bill. A framework for the climate change Bill was provided for last October and was presented prior to the Copenhagen conference.

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

On the first matter, the Taoiseach was very explicit when he replied to me this morning.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, Leaders' Questions are over for today.

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

I am raising a matter-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is not appropriate. We spent considerable time on this during the time for Leaders' Questions and to revisit the matter on the Order of Business is simply out of order.

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

No, it is not.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I allowed it because a query on legislation was forthcoming, which did come, albeit on the climate change issue. However, we are pursuing this matter on the Order of Business and it is out of order. I ask the Deputy to co-operate and to pursue it some other way.

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

A Cheann Comhairle, it is not out of order to seek to have the record of the House corrected and that is what I seek to have done. In his reply to me, the Taoiseach stated explicitly that the vouched fuel allowance was intended to apply only to solid fuels. I have pointed out to the Taoiseach that this is not correct. I have asked him to acknowledge he has made a mistake. I do not want to make a big issue of this, I do not want to rub his nose in it.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I ask the Deputy for his co-operation on this matter. I have been more than tolerant.

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

I just want the record of the House corrected. The Taoiseach may wish to check the record himself. If he does not want to make the correction now - and he certainly did not in his reply to me earlier - I am quite happy that he corrects it in this House at the next available opportunity. I want the record of the House corrected. If I ask a question of the Taoiseach and he responds with something that is factually incorrect, all I want is that the record be corrected.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This is out of order but I will allow the Taoiseach to respond briefly.

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

If it is out order, then it is out of order. At Leaders' Questions I am asked questions without notice and I gave a full reply to the Deputy's query. There is no intention on my part to do otherwise. However, I do not have notice of these questions and cannot have the answer to every possible inquiry.

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

Sure. That is no problem.

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

If I were to get back to the Deputy on everything he has said that is factually incorrect, would he do the same as he asks of me?

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

No problem at all.

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

We will be here a long time.

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

In that case we will talk about the bank guarantee.

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

Any time, I would love to.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is important for the proper running of the House that I put this matter on record. It is a long-standing rule of the Chair that the House is not a court and that a Member's disclaimer of the accuracy of a statement attributed to him or her or of a particular action attributed to him or her must be accepted in the House. There is no other way of conducting business.

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

That gets Deputy Gilmore off the hook.

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

He is playing for both sides.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In light of all the discussion about reductions in social welfare and the fact that those on blind disability pensions had their allowance cut last year, will the Taoiseach explain why the legal costs Bill is still at No. 78 on the legislative programme? Will he ensure that legislation is brought forward?

Second, in view of the ongoing difficulties of small industries, particularly co-operatives, when will the industrial and provident societies and friendly societies (miscellaneous provisions) Bill be brought forward to introduce improvements in regulations?

Third, there have been many promises about the number of hectares of forestry that will be planted.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy can pursue that matter through other avenues, it is not appropriate on the Order of Business.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is appropriate.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are many other ways for the Deputy to raise it.

Seymour Crawford (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is appropriate to the Order of Business. The forestry Bill is the first legislation listed on the pink sheet. When will that Bill be introduced in the House so that we can discuss the crisis in the industry?

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

On the legal costs Bill, last year we spent €60 million on medico-legal outlays, €20 million of which went to the legal profession. There must be an urgency in bringing forward this Bill.

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

Doctors are charging too much.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Reilly should confine himself to questions about the status of promised legislation.

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

Likewise, the reference pricing for drugs Bill could be saving us €200 million per year. Instead the Government has introduced a prescription charge for medical card holders.

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

How much does a doctor get for a medical report?

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The question is on proposed legislation.

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

Four big ones.

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

Only a percentage of the Minister's fee.

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

The first issue raised by Deputy Crawford was raised yesterday on the Order of Business when I said that the legislation would be introduced next year. On the second issue raised by the Deputy, there is no date for that legislation. The third Bill to which he referred will be dealt with in this session.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, for invoking the grandfather clause to ensure that Dingle community hospital will be opened in the next fortnight.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Does the Deputy have a query on legislation?

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Absolutely. No. 63 on the legislative programme, the licensing of health facilities Bill, will provide for a mandatory system of licensing for public and private health care facilities. The Health Information and Quality Authority was established in 2007 but this Bill remains at No. 63 on the legislative programme. The Health Service Executive was aware of HIQA standards three months prior to commencement of construction of Dingle community hospital and it will cost the State millions to put it right.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will have to find another way to make these points.

Tom Sheahan (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When will the licensing of health facilities Bill be brought forward? HIQA is in operation since 2007 but this Bill has not yet come before the House.

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

There is no date for that legislation.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When does the Taoiseach expect the publication of the sustainable travel and transport Bill? Does he anticipate that County Longford will be restored to the Twenty-six Counties under that legislation? Every county in the State, with the exception of Longford, was included in the national cycle network. I raised this issue on the Adjournment debate last week and the Minister flippy floppied around the issue, but he did not give me an answer as to why County Longford was excluded.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy cannot revisit the matter on the Order of Business.

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

I am aware that Deputy Bannon is at the head of the peloton in regard to this legislation. I understand it will be next year before we will be able to ride that particular bike.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When does the Government intend to introduce an amendment to the Road Traffic Act to set out clear limits on the level of prescribed or non-prescribed drugs for drivers? This issue is of serious concern with increasing numbers of drivers testing positive for drugs use. The report that was issued last week-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We cannot have a debate on that issue at this time.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We raised this 12 months ago and we have been waiting for progress since.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy is going into far too much detail for the Order of Business.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Does the Taoiseach intend to introduce an amendment to the legislation?

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

I understand the impairment test in existing legislation allows for prosecutions where drivers have drugs in their system. The legislative context already exists in this regard. When the technology becomes more fine-tuned, further legislation will be required.

Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It will not be introduced immediately.

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

No, not until the science is developed further. A parliamentary question to the Minister would provide the Deputy with the accurate detail.

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

Has the Government agreed a date with the European Commission for the submission of the four-year budgetary plan? If so, will the Taoiseach indicate that date? Is it 12 November, and when does the Taoiseach then propose to present the four-year plan to this House?

Second, in the course of his last budget speech, the Minister for Finance announced his proposal to introduce in the next budget a universal social contribution to replace the existing PRSI contribution. A report was published yesterday-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We cannot have a debate on this matter now.

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

This was in the Minister's budget speech. A paper was published yesterday setting out not a universal social contribution structure but a universal social charge. I have several questions for the Taoiseach in this regard. Does the Government, in the context of the briefings that are being made available to the Opposition parties, propose to request that the Department of Finance outline in detail the Government's thinking on the universal social charge? Does it, for instance, protect the notion of a universal contributory old age pension and contributory widower's and widow's pensions? Does the Government propose to publish a White Paper in regard to this fundamental change in Irish legislation?

The Taoiseach spoke earlier about consensus.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have been very tolerant with the Deputy and we will endeavour to get the answers to some of her queries.

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

With due respect, the Taoiseach has been on the public airwaves looking, understandably, for consensus and discussion. This is one of the most fundamental changes proposed in the legislative structure of the State.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, you are promoting a discussion on this matter on the Order of Business and it is the wrong time to do it. There are other times.

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

I want to ask the Taoiseach if he proposes to facilitate the Opposition in relation to these proposed changes or will the Minister simply stand up when he announces his budget and tell us what changes he has made. It is a reasonable question, particularly in the current climate. I put it to you, a Cheann Comhairle, that this is a very important question if the Taoiseach is serious about having Opposition parties engage in discussion.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, if you need more detailed information on this matter you will have to submit a parliamentary question, and there are other ways. On the Order of Business arrangements do not contemplate this sort of detail.

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

The Minister for Finance announced this in the budget. I am asking the Taoiseach will there be a White Paper. As part of the briefings to the Opposition will we be briefed in detail about what the Government is doing on this or does the Government simply intend to stand up on budget day and tell us what it has done?

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

As I have just said to Deputy Kenny, the four year plan will be published in the first half of November.

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

Could the Taoiseach give us a date?

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

If I may reply to the query, the answer is the same as I gave to Deputy Kenny. The four year plan will be published in the first half of November. The exact date has not yet been selected by the Government. I have no idea why the spokesperson for Commissioner Rehn gave the date of 4 November. It is inaccurate and contact has been made with the Commission to clarify the position.

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

Another date from that source was 12 November.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, please allow the Taoiseach to continue.

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

What source?

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

The Commission.

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

Who is deciding when we publish the plan, the Commission or us? I have just explained to the Deputy.

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

We have a lot of views on who is deciding.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Burton, we cannot have a debate on this matter on the Order of Business.

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

There is no point, is there?

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

Is the Taoiseach saying the Ceann Comhairle does not have control in the House?

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

No, but there is not much point. What is the point of asking a question and interrupting the answer? It is the same old story every time.

With regard to the other question on the social charge, it has been indicated by the Minister for Finance that he will bring forward reforms in the budget in relation to that matter. It is a budgetary and taxation matter and will be dealt with then.

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

Will the Government publish a White Paper on the matter?

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

I am not aware that the Minister for Finance is preparing a White Paper at this stage. A question directly to the Minister would give the Deputy an indication of that position.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

With regard to the sale of alcohol Bill, we are about two and a half weeks from Hallowe'en. I am a member of two joint policing committees, in Fingal and Dublin City. Concern was expressed that those two county councils will not have the resources to manage the Hallowe'en festival, which includes running parties for the kids. Hallowe'en falls on a Sunday this year so we need people working right up to the festival. Can the Taoiseach confirm that he will ensure, with Deputy Gormley, that local authorities will have the resources to run a Hallowe'en festival that does not end up in mayhem for communities? With regard to the Bill itself, about seven years ago Deputy Costello proposed that each item of alcohol should include the retailer's name or code. This is a key requirement of the Bill. Can the Taoiseach confirm that the Bill will come forward and will he ensure there are resources for Sunday 31 October? In urban areas it can be very difficult for citizens.

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

I understand the sale of alcohol Bill will be published early next year. That is the earliest we will have that legislation.

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

Hallowe'en will be over then.

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

I am aware of that too.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Taoiseach come out with us?

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

I might get a chance to duck Deputy Broughan's head in the water. He might catch an apple for himself.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Taoiseach's game is blind man's bluff.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Or pin the tale on which donkey.

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

We will invite the Taoiseach to come to Dublin Central for Hallowe'en. It will be an experience for him.

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

The Bonfire of the Vanities. That is his problem.

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

Deputy Burton is such a literate spokesperson. She will tell us the author's name next.

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

The Taoiseach would be very scared if he strayed in like the hero of that book. If he strayed into certain parts of the country he would be pretty scared. He should be careful. Look what happened to him and where he ended up.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It's dark.

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

I apologise to Deputy Costello. Deputies should give him a chance to speak.

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

When that little contretemps is over, perhaps I will be able to say a word. I ask that the Whips arrange a debate on the Aer Lingus Greenfield cost reduction plan. Today's work-to-rule-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, it is not appropriate to raise this matter on the Order of Business.

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

I am entitled to ask that the Whips arrange for a debate. This morning, a work-to-rule started. The situation is escalating and Aer Lingus-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Costello, you have an efficient and hard working Whip representing your Party interest. You should talk to him about this.

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

I am entitled to request the Whips to arrange a debate. This is the Order of Business.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This is not promised business. It is not the case that anything goes on the Order of Business. We must have some discipline.

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

There is an entitlement to request that there be a debate on an important issue. I am requesting a debate on the Greenfield plan.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

And I am advising you to talk to Deputy Emmet Stagg about this.

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

I will be finished in a minute. Because of the Greenfield cost reduction plan a work-to-rule by cabin crew started today and Aer Lingus has threatened disciplinary action, including dismissal. The likelihood is that this will escalate rapidly. Will the Minister for Transport come into the House and will the Whips arrange a debate at an early stage so that we can deal with the matter. Terminal 2 will open next month and we are in the middle of a recession.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, you are seeking a debate but that does mean your request is in order. Please take up the matter with the Minister for Transport by way of a parliamentary question.

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

The last thing we need is to have Dublin Airport involved in a serious industrial dispute. I ask that the Whip respond to that.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We have heard the request. It can be brought up at the Whips' meeting.

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy's Whip is sitting next to him. He should have a cup of coffee with him.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank you, a Cheann Comhairle, and your private secretary for contacting me regarding my request to raise the important issue of the ongoing abuse of Irish passports. I understand your position. However, will the Taoiseach introduce new regulations, along the lines of those in the United Kingdom, to protect the integrity of the Irish passport, which has long been respected throughout the world and is now being abused left, right and centre? This is a simple request and this is not a political issue. However, it is urgent that the Taoiseach deal with this matter.

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

All Members are interested in maintaining the integrity of our passports and serious issues have arisen in recent times. I am sure the Minister for Foreign Affairs, who has responsibility for the Passport Office, will do all he can to ensure that integrity is not further compromised.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In view of the difficulties experienced by the tourism industry in the past 12 months and the likelihood of difficulties in the future, is it intended to bring in the National Tourism Development Authority (Amendment) Bill at an early date, as opposed to the current intention

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

There is no date for that.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am aware there is no date. I am trying to encourage the Taoiseach to indicate to the House that he recognises the severity of the problem faced by the tourism industry.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, you should not encourage debate.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am not encouraging debate. I am discouraging debate. Will the Taoiseach introduce that legislation shortly in order to ensure a debate takes place on this vital issue for the country's economy.

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

I will look into the Deputy's request.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Taoiseach.

Having listened to the concerns expressed by the head of the ECB in the past couple of days, does the Taoiseach intend to bring in the two vital pieces of promised legislation which are on the list for 2011? I refer to the Central Bank (consolidation) Bill and the Central Bank (No. 2) Bill.

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

The Central Bank (No. 2) Bill is being worked on as a priority. The consolidation Bill will be introduced afterwards.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I note the Taoiseach did not indicate a precise date. I am concerned about that.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I ask that time be found for a debate on the funding of an organisation in Cork-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is not in order.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----called Right of Place, which has received more than €1.05 million in funding since 2001. Serious corporate governance issues arise in respect of this organisation.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The matter is not in order on the Order of Business.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is funded by the Department of Education and Skills and the HSE.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I ask the Deputy to raise the matter with his Whip. It will be discussed in the normal way.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An investigation into the organisation is ongoing-----

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy's request for a debate will be considered in that context.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----but we are not getting answers from the Department or the HSE.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy is out of order on the Order of Business.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I ask that the Whips arrange a debate or some other discussion in an open forum on this organisation because the doors of transparency have been closed on its operations.