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

It is proposed to take No. 6, motion re leave to introduce Supplementary Estimate [Vote 25]; No. 7, motion re referral of Supplementary Estimate [Vote 25] to select committee; No. 36, Budget Statement and the financial motions by the Minister for Finance to be taken today at 3.45 p.m. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and the motion for the General Financial Resolution shall be moved not later than 12 midnight, whereupon business shall be interrupted and the Dáil shall adjourn forthwith; (2) No. 6 and, subject to the agreement of No. 6, No. 7, referral to select committee, shall be decided without debate and any divisions demanded on Nos. 6 and 7 shall be taken forthwith; (3) following the Budget Statement of the Minister for Finance, the following arrangements shall apply in relation to the proceedings on No. 36: (i) the statements of the main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party, the Labour Party and Sinn Féin shall not exceed 40 minutes; (ii) following the statements the sitting shall be suspended for 30 minutes; (4) all divisions demanded on No. 36 shall be taken manually; (5) the business to be transacted tomorrow shall be as follows: Leaders' Questions to be taken at 10.30 a.m.; No. 36, financial motions by the Minister for Finance (resumed), on which the speech of the Taoiseach and of the leaders of the Fine Gael Party, the Labour Party, the Green Party and Sinn Féin, or a person nominated in his stead who shall be called upon in that order, shall not exceed 40 minutes in each case, following the leaders' speeches, the sitting shall be suspended for 60 minutes, and the speech of each other Member called upon, who may share time, shall not exceed 30 minutes in each case; and Social Welfare Bill 2010, Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, to be taken not later than 6.30 p.m.

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

There are five proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. and the motion for the General Financial Resolution shall be moved not later than 12 midnight, whereupon business shall be interrupted and the Dáil shall adjourn forthwith, agreed to?

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

The Sinn Féin Deputies will not agree to this Order of Business. We contend this Government has neither a moral nor a democratic right to impose a budget on the people today.

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

Deputy, it is inappropriate to get into this discussion on the Order of Business.

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

No, it is not. I am challenging the Order of Business.

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

I know, yes.

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

Very clearly, this will be a budget based on the IMF-EU sell-out deal and on a four year plan that seeks to tie the Irish people to an economic strategy which is doomed from the outset. Clearly, the situation is that the Taoiseach's Government is on a life support machine, courtesy of Deputies Healy-Rae and Lowry. When will the Taoiseach declare the detail of any agreement made with these Deputies, who are present today to save his hide and to impose-----

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

The Deputy will be aware there are severe time constraints today.

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

We are here today to vote for a budget the country needs.

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

No, I beg the Ceann Comahirle's pardon-----

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

The Budget Statement is at 3.45 p.m., I have five proposals to dispose of and that is why-----

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

I object to this at the outset. As I indicated in the House last week, it is clear this Government has no right to proceed with the introduction of a budget based on an IMF-EU deal which it has not yet put before the Members of this Dáil for a vote-----

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

All those points can be made during the budget debate-----

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

-----as required under Article 29 of the Constitution.

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

-----and I am sure the Deputy will make them. I ask him to resume his seat.

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

The Government is acting unconstitutionally.

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

Deputy, resume your seat, please.

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

Will you allow me to finish?

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

You are out of order on the Order of Business.

Deputies:

Out of order.

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

I am not out of order, a Cheann Comhairle. What is out of order is the Government' s action-----

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

We have five proposals to dispose of and the Budget Statement will commence at 3.45 p.m.

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

-----and we-----

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

We are running into different tangents that are not relevant to the issue being discussed.

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

I was not aware a guillotine applies. Is a guillotine being applied to an objection to the Order of Business?

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

Yes.

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

Is that the case? Where is the guillotine?

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

The Chair must be conscious of time constraints. I ask the Members of the House to co-operate.

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

I will conclude with this point. The Government's proposals are absolutely unacceptable. I reiterate the Government has no moral or democratic right to proceed with the imposition of a budget that will lead to more poverty, unemployment and social misery across this land. The thing to do now is for the Taoiseach to go to the Park and allow the people have their chance to pass judgment.

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

Deputy, resume your seat.

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

That is the only way to proceed.

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

I am now putting the question: "That the proposal for dealing with No. 1 - that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and the motion for the General Financial Resolution shall be moved not later than midnight whereupon business shall then be interrupted and the Dáil shall adjourn forthwith - be agreed to."

Deputies:

Vótáil.

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

Will the Deputies claiming a division please rise?

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

As fewer than ten Members have risen I declare the question carried. In accordance with Standing Order 70, the names of the Deputies dissenting will be recorded in the Journal of the Proceedings of the Dáil.

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

Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 6 and 7 without debate agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 36 agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal that all divisions demanded on No. 36 be taken manually agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for the business of the Dáil tomorrow agreed to?

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

It is not agreed to.

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

With regard to the business to be transacted tomorrow, I have no difficulty with No. 36 in respect of the financial motions. However, as the Taoiseach will be aware, we have been consistent in objecting to Bills being guillotined. I understand it is proposed to guillotine the Social Welfare Bill. This Bill concerns great numbers of people around the country, be they pensioners, people on various schemes or the unemployed. From that point of view, given these exceptional circumstances, it is a matter on which many Deputies will want to make a contribution. I object to it on the basis of a guillotine being proposed by the Government.

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

This proposal relates to the way in which the social welfare Bill will be introduced. The Government intends to move and complete two Bills this week - the social welfare Bill and the financial emergency measures in the public interest (No. 2) Bill-----

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We want to be able to do it before Christmas. The Deputy cannot have it both ways. He gives out-----

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

-----neither of which anybody in this House has seen. Yet the Government is proposing that the social welfare Bill will be introduced tomorrow evening. It is proposed that it will be guillotined at 4.45 p.m. on Thursday. The financial emergency measures Bill will be introduced then and that will be guillotined and completed by 1 o'clock on Friday. That is not an acceptable way to deal with what are likely to be substantial measures contained in these Bills. We do not know yet what those measures will be because the Bills have not been circulated. It is unacceptable that business would be dealt with in this way.

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

I object to the Order of Business regarding proposal No. 5 because first and foremost the Taoiseach is guillotining the opportunity for Members of this House to participate in the statements on the financial motions introduced by the Minister for Finance for 6.30 p.m. tomorrow evening and the introduction of the social welfare Bill at that time. The indicators again are that the guillotine will apply to the social welfare Bill on Thursday through all Stages. We then have the financial emergency measures in the public interest No. 2 Bill, which is scheduled to be forced through the House on Friday, with votes on Friday; I find it difficult to recall the last time that took place. What is the financial emergency measures in the public interest (No. 2) Bill addressing? Is that the Bill to facilitate a cut to the minimum wage?

The whole approach by the Government is to force through the maximum pain on the greatest number of our citizens over the remaining dying days of this Government. As I said earlier, it has neither a moral nor a democratic right to introduce-----

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

Deputy, will you resume your seat or I will ask you to leave the House?

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

-----any such measures.

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

Why will the Taoiseach not-----

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

The Deputy is broadening the discussion, as he does all the time. Resume your seat.

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

We are objecting.

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

Regarding the matters which have been raised, these matters arise out of the budget announcement which will take place very shortly and will be dealt with this week. It is important that they are dealt with and disposed of because they are issues which will have to be brought into-----

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

It is very important they are dealt with before the lads go home for the weekend.

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

It is very important that they would be dealt with one way or the other. We have a serious situation in this country that needs to be addressed. We brought forward a four year plan. We now have an agreement with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, IMF, and we now have a budget to put through. Many are watching from outside as to the determination of this House to do what is necessary in the national interest during the course of financial resolutions to be taken this evening.

If Deputy Ó Caoláin does not mind I will take a pass on a lecture on morals from that quarter.

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

The Taoiseach will learn a lot more when he faces the people in January.

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

Perhaps we could at this point suspend proceedings until the Budget Statement at 3.45 p.m. Gabh mo leithscéal, Deputy Kenny.

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

It is only appropriate that we should ask a number of questions on the Order of Business, as is traditional and is right and proper.

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

There are a number of motions to be agreed before the Budget Statement.

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

Do you want to put them?

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

If we could deal with them, it would be good. With co-operation, we could dispose of them quickly.

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

Are these motions you have there?

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

Yes, the leave to introduce the Supplementary Estimate.

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

May I ask a couple of questions after that on the Order of Business?

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

Yes, briefly.

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

Can I do that?

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

Right.

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

Do you want to put the motions now?