Dáil debates
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Order of Business
10:30 am
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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It is proposed to take No. a4, motion re establishment of Select Committee on Europe Day; No. b4, motion re arrangements to facilitate Europe Day; No. 7, Biological Weapons Bill 2010 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages, to adjourn at 12.30 p.m. today, if not previously concluded; No. 6, statements on the EU/IMF Programme (resumed), to adjourn at 1.30 p.m. if not previously concluded; and No. 5, statements on suicide prevention (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that Nos. a4 and b4 shall be decided without debate.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. a4 and b4, motions re establishment of Select Committee on Europe Day, and arrangements to facilitate Europe Day, without debate, agreed to? Agreed.
Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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May I raise an issue on these matters?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, because they are to be taken without debate and have been agreed to.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will come back to the Deputy on the Order of Business.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Is the Tánaiste aware that five men are being held under the Terrorism Act in the UK, having been arrested close to Sellafield? Has either the Taoiseach or the Tánaiste raised the question of Sellafield in any of their contacts with the British Government since assuming office? Has a security briefing been given to the Taoiseach or the Tánaiste concerning these arrests, particularly in view of the horrendous consequences that would arise if there were to be a terrorist attack on Sellafield?
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government has raised the issue of Sellafield with the British Government. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has been in touch with his British counterpart and has been in contact with the relevant authorities following the Fukushima episode in Japan. I am aware that five people have been arrested close to the Sellafield plant. I understand that they are still in detention and are being questioned. At this point, that is as much as we know about this matter.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not a matter for the Order of Business.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Did the Deputy hear me? It is not a matter for the Order of Business.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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It is a very important issue.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I appreciate that, but will the Deputy please resume his seat? It is not a matter for the Order of Business.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Was any security briefing given to the Irish authorities by the British authorities concerning this matter?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Did the Deputy hear me?
Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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It is ironic that we will have nearly a day-long debate on Europe Day in this House given the level of sovereignty that has been ceded by this State.
Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy is opposed to Europe.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please give the Deputy a chance to speak.
Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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In a sense, every day is Europe day. Can the Tánaiste enlighten us as to when the committees will be established? On the revised memorandum of understanding, the suggestion is to bring forward legislation to increase the current rate of carbon tax. I do not have to tell the Tánaiste or his colleagues about the issue of fuel poverty. More than 115,000 customers of Bord Gáis are behind in paying their bills.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is not a matter for the Order of Business.
Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Families are struggling. Given that the Labour Party and Fine Gael were very strident on this matter in the last Dáil, when is it proposed to bring forward legislation on it?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call the Tánaiste on promised legislation.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Deputy has raised three matters. First, I thank her for welcoming the fact that the Dáil will have a dedicated debate on Europe on Monday, marking Europe Day. I look forward to the contributions during that debate.
Second, the Deputy asked about the committees and it is hoped that arrangements for their establishment will be finalised once the composition of the Seanad is completed. That will be done shortly.
Third, there is a commitment in the programme for Government on fuel poverty measures, which will be honoured and implemented by the Government.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government made a statement yesterday that will have serious legislative implications. For the first time we heard that a utility charge to pay for the installation of water meters in each home will be introduced.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am sorry Deputy, but this is the Order of Business.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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It is to do with legislation.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the Deputy asking about promised legislation?
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Yes. Can the Tánaiste be precise and tell us the Government's legislative proposals with regard to the issue of a water tax? The Labour Party said it was opposed to it and that meters would be a waste of investment. Will the Tánaiste now renegue on all that and have a utility charge to add insult to the injury of taxation that is already being levied on people?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is legislation promised in this regard?
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Legislation on this matter has not been prepared or brought to Government. When legislation is considered by the Government it will be introduced in the House. The commitment on water charges is in the programme for Government, which makes clear that water metering will be introduced, but there will be a free household allowance. The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government is progressing those proposals and when they have been completed they will be brought before the House.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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It is a complete negation of everything the Labour Party promised during the election.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Two weeks ago, my colleague Deputy Sandra McLellan put a question to the Tánaiste concerning his brief as Minister for Foreign Affairs. In reply, he said that responsibility for answering the question lay with the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation. Will the Tánaiste please clarify his role? Is he responsible for trade, including imports and exports, as was the previous Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a matter for a parliamentary question.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Will he clarify the future role of his Department?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should table a parliamentary question.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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While he is officially called the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade he has no responsibility for trade as far as I can see.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Deputy tables a parliamentary question he will get a reply.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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This concerns upcoming legislation.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not upcoming legislation.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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With respect, the Ceann Comhairle should hear me out. The Taoiseach has called the Tánaiste the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is correct.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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There will be legislation to put in place his responsibilities. I want to clarify his responsibilities.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not a matter for legislation.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Of course it is.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is a matter for division-----
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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His remit and responsibilities------
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Deputy resumes his seat, I might-----
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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When will he take up his portfolio?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will the Deputy resume his seat?
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Is the Tánaiste Minister for Foreign Affairs then?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will the Deputy resume his seat please?
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Can I get an answer to my question?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, the Deputy will resume his seat first.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Can I get an answer to my question?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will resume his seat first.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Can I get an answer to my question?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will resume his seat first.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Can I get an answer to my question?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will resume his seat first.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Can I get an answer to my question?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will resume his seat first.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Can I get an answer to my question?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, the Deputy will resume his seat first. I thank the Deputy.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Can I get an answer to my question?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is legislation necessary in respect of this matter? "Yes" or "No"?
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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No legislation is required.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I thank the Tánaiste. We move on. I call Deputy Healy.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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When does the Tánaiste become Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade? Why do his colleagues not take questions? Why are two Ministers without portfolio present?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is not a shouting match.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Why are Ministers not answering questions in the House?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Deputy is orderly, and indicates that he wishes to speak, I will call him. I have called him and now I call Deputy Healy.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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I have received no answer to my question.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I would appreciate the Deputy's co-operation. He will get an answer.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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What is the responsibility of these Ministers? When do they assume their portfolios? I want clarity on this.
Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Where was the Deputy yesterday?
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy was not in the House yesterday. He was canvassing.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Healy.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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I need an answer to this question. We have Ministers without portfolios getting paid big salaries but not doing their jobs. This is a nonsense.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will the Deputy please recognise the Chair?
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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This is a farce. We have Ministers who have titles who have not assumed responsibilities.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will ask the Deputy to leave the Chamber in a moment if he is not careful.
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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This is farcical.
Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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The National Asset Management Agency is a highly secretive organisation and its procedures and processes do not appear to be amenable to this House. Currently, its dismissive attitude to workers and their rights is putting-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is legislation promised in this regard?
Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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I will come to that if the Ceann Comhairle allows me to finish.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will come to it now because numerous Deputies are indicating.
Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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I will come to that-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We do not have speeches on the Order of Business. The Deputy should ask if legislation is promised-----
Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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This matter is appropriate to the Order of Business. With regard to the dismissive attitude of NAMA to workers' rights, 128 jobs are at risk in viable businesses in counties Tipperary and Kilkenny.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should table a parliamentary question.
Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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A commitment in the programme for Government states, "We will insist on the highest standards of transparency in the operation of NAMA". What proposals has the Government to implement that commitment? When will they be brought before the House?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should table a parliamentary question and he will get an answer to that. That matter is not related to promised legislation. The Deputy should resume his seat.
Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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This is a legislative matter, which is dealt with in the programme for Government.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Deputy tables a parliamentary question, he will get an answer.
Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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The question refers to a commitment in the programme for Government. Will the Tánaiste answer the question?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is not Question Time.
Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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Legislation is clearly promised in the programme for Government. Will the Tánaiste not answer the question?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No. I call Deputy O'Dea.
Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
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When will we have transparency?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will the Deputy resume his seat?
Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Is legislation necessary to accompany the jobs initiative? If so, when can we expect it?
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The jobs initiatives will be announced next Tuesday and any Bill, motion or resolution required will be outlined as part of the announcement.
Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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When will the mental capacity Bill, which takes into account the Law Reform Commission report on vulnerable adults, be published? It is significant legislation, which is included in the Government's legislative programme. I would appreciate it if the Tánaiste could inform the House when it will be brought forward.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The text of the Bill is being drafted and it is expected to be published later this year.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Catherine Murphy.
Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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I was going to ask the same question.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the Deputy happy with the reply?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I thank the Deputy. I call Deputy Ó Cuív.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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We all agree job creation is vital. The Government will announce its jobs budget next week. Why is it proposed that questions will only be taken by the Minister for Finance? Why will the Ministers for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation and Social Protection not also take questions on this issue, as they have central roles in job creation?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a matter for the Whips to discuss.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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It was discussed by the Whips. The Government Chief Whip gave a negative answer. Ordering of business in the House is a matter for the Government, not the Whips.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is correct.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I am sure the Tánaiste will whip his Whip into line on this.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am sure the Tánaiste has noted the Deputy's request.
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The arrangements, as I understand it, for next week provide an opportunity throughout the week to discuss the announcement on Tuesday of the jobs initiative. There is provision for questions to be put to the Minister for Finance as part of the debate. If Members would like the opportunity to raise questions with the Ministers for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation and Social Protection, I am sure that can be arranged through the Whips.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I thank the Tánaiste.
Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour)
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When is it proposed to bring forward legislation to establish a judicial council to provide a mechanism for dealing with complaints against judges, as promised in the programme for Government?
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Does the Labour Party not have parliamentary party meetings?
Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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It is intended to bring forward the legislation later this year.