Dáil debates
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Order of Business
10:30 am
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed to take No. 3, Finance Bill (No. 2) 2011 - Second Stage (resumed) and No. 4, Patents (Amendment) Bill 2011 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, or the Order of the Dáil of 29 March 2011, that questions for oral answer set down to the Minister for Community, Equality and Gaeltacht Affairs shall not be taken on Thursday, 26 May 2011 and the sequence established by order of the Dáil of 9 March 2011, and varied by the order of 29 March 2011, shall continue on Tuesday 31 May 2011, with questions to the Minister for Health and Children. In the event of a private notice question being allowed, it shall be taken at 3.30 p.m. for 30 minutes and the Ceann Comhairle shall advise the Dáil of matters under Standing Orders 21(3) at 3.30 p.m., or immediately after any private notice question, as appropriate. Private Members' Business will be No. 22, motion re agriculture (resumed), to conclude at 8.30 p.m. if not previously concluded.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the proposal for dealing with parliamentary questions agreed to? Agreed.
11:00 am
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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There is significant discussion at international level today about the call by President Sarkozy to increase the role of the State in the regulation of the Internet. The Taoiseach knows the significant role the digital sector plays in Ireland in job creation and the economy and we both agree it has significant potential to create jobs in the future, so this is a major strategic issue. Given the commitment in the programme for Government on the technology industry, and President Sarkozy's comments, when will the Government bring forward legislation to protect the independence of the Internet from an Irish perspective or will he follow the line taken by President Sarkozy in this regard?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the importance of the entire digital area. In fact, today I intend to visit a multinational company dealing with elements of this area. I cannot give the Deputy a definite answer in respect of the nature of legislation to be brought forward but I will revert to the Deputy. I did not have the opportunity to read President Sarkozy's comments about the Internet in detail.
Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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De réir an Ordú Gnó tá na ceisteanna chuig an Aire Gaeltachta amárach curtha ar ceal. Is mór an trua é sin. Cén fáth an bhfuil sin ag tarlú agus cathain a bheidh am againn na hábhair práinneacha a phlé maidir le todhchaí na Gaeilge, an straitéis fiche bliain, Údaras na Gaeltachta agus araile?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Tá a fhios ag an Teachta go bhfuil cead aige, trí a phríomh Aoire, é seo a ardú ag cruinniú na n-Aoirí agus plé a dhéanamh faoi na díospóireachtaí a bheidh ar siúl anseo. Bhí díospóireacht ann cúpla seachtain ó shin maidir le straitéis na Gaeilge. Tá na ceisteanna faoi cúrsaí Gaeltachta chuig an Aire Gaeltachta curtha ar ceal amárach toisc nach cuireadh isteach ach ceist amháin ar chúrsaí Gaeltachta agus gur tarraingíodh siar an cheist sin ag an Teachta a chuir síos í ar dtús. Tá a fhios ag an Teachta go bhfuil na dualgaisí a bhí ag baint leis an Roinn mar a bhí sí, curtha chuig Roinn nua. Tá na ceisteanna a cuireadh síos nach mbaineann le cúrsaí Gaeltachta curtha chuig na hAirí atá ag baint leis na dualgaisí sin faoi láthair. Tá a fhios ag an Teachta freisin, ó thaobh cúrsaí dlithiúla agus bunreachtúla de, go bhfuil an Roinn Gaeltachta ann fós mar a n-ainmníodh é roimhe seo. Beidh sé mar sin go dtí 2 Meitheamh nuair a aistreofar na dualgaisí chuig an Roinn nua.
Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to two items of legislation. When will the legislation be introduced to allow administrators and trustees of pension funds to reduce the payments made to people in defined benefit schemes? When will the legislation to establish the NewERA authority be introduced?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is the Deputy referring to the Finance Bill?
Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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No, separate legislation is promised to enable pension administrators and trustees to reduce payments under defined benefit payment schemes. This has been promised in conjunction with the jobs initiative.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I do not have a date for that legislation but I will revert to the Deputy. As regards the NewERA proposal contained in the programme for Government, work is continuing between the different Departments as to how best to structure that entity and an announcement will be made soon.
Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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The Government has committed in the programme for Government to the establishment of a quasi-judicial board dealing with debt management and that MABS, the Money Advice and Budgeting Agency, would be given these powers. Is legislation promised to deal with private debt management agencies as currently they are operating without regulation? This is of concern to people who find themselves-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is legislation promised?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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No legislation is promised. I invite the Deputy to put together her proposal and it might be considered in the context of the third finance Bill or whatever.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I suggest the Deputy also submits a parliamentary question.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Ba mhaith liom a rá leis an Taoiseach gur chuireadh droch cháil air, mar bhí níos mó ná ceist amháin thíos faoin Ghaeltacht amárach. An bhfuil an Taoiseach ag glacadh leis as seo amach go mbraitheann sé ar líon na gceisteanna a chuirtear síos má thógtar ceisteanna Gaeltachta? Cé a bheidh ag tógáil-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is completely out of order.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Gabh mo leithscéal. Cé a bheidh ag tógáil-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is out of order. We have already dealt with this issue.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Cé a bheidh ag tógáil ceisteanna amárach sa Dáil?
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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It is on the Order of Business.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Níl sé. Tá Riar na hOibre anseo agam agus níl sé air.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We have already dealt with this matter on the Order of Business. We have approved the Order of Business.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Níl sé ar Riar na hOibre. Cé a bheidh ag déileáíl le ceisteanna amárach? Is ceist réasúnach í sin.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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It was dealt with under the Order of Business. The Deputy is totally out of order.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Cé a bheidh ag tógáil ceisteanna amárach sa Dáil? Tá sé de cheart ag-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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There will be no questions tomorrow as the order stated.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Ní bheidh éinne ag tógáil ceisteanna amárach.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is correct. It was agreed on the Order of Business.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I dealt with it on the Order of Business. This is a technical point. The position is that one question was tabled in respect of Gaeltacht matters and that question-----
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Níl sé sin fíor. Bhí-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sit down, please Deputy.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Níl sin fíor. Tá an Taoiseach ag rá-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please be seated, Deputy. The Taoiseach is on his feet.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Táim ag glacadh leis gur cuireadh eolas míchruinn ar fáil don Taoiseach-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should please be seated.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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-----nár cuireadh síos ach ceist amháin.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please be seated. You are out of order.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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A Cheann Chomhairle-----
Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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You are in opposition now remember.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will be leaving the House now shortly if he is not careful. I am not putting up with that sort of disorder from the Deputy. You should know better as you are a senior Member and a former Minister and you should respect the Chair. Please be seated when I am on my feet. I ask the Taoiseach to resume.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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A Cheann Chomhairle-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, please leave the House.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I hope the Ceann Comhairle will be able to explain to me-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please leave the House.
Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I think I am entitled to-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will name the Deputy if he is not careful.
Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Tá sé ag gáire fós.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am not putting up with this sort of disorder. This is totally out of order. I try to give everyone a chance and I ask Members to respect the Chair. I am trying to be fair to everyone. The Taoiseach has dealt with this matter on the Order of Business. If Members wish to choose to make an argument I will not allow them do so; it is as simple as that. There are other ways of raising these issues. I call Deputy Troy.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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According to the latest figures from the Central Bank, approximately 6.3% or almost 50,000 households are at least 90 days in mortgage arrears.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy knows we are on the Order of Business.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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When does the Government propose bringing forward legislative proposals to help those affected, as promised in the programme for Government?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is this promised legislation?
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Yes, it is promised in the programme for Government.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, is it promised legislation? We cannot discuss the programme for Government here every morning.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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It is promised legislation.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Promised legislation is promised legislation. Is it promised legislation?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Government is pursuing a range of issues as regards mortgage distress.
Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)
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Under the legislative programme for summer 2011, the Central Bank (supervision and enforcement) Bill is envisaged to provide for the enhancement of financial regulation, expanding the supervisory and enforcement powers of the Central Bank. Given the unique situation of a currency with multiple central banks, I would be asking that the legislation should come in part from Europe and that it should give us some guidance as to loan to values for mortgage providers. When will this be provided-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sorry, Deputy, you are not allowed expand; just ask the question.
Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)
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When will it be published and will guidance be provided?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Yes, this is a requirement under the IMF-EU deal. The heads of the Bill were approved on 10 May and it is expected to be taken this session.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to an item on the Order Paper which I have tabled and which deals with a constitutional amendment to allow for an outright ban on corporate donations. The Taoiseach indicated yesterday that he was not prepared to accept that. Other proposals in the programme for Government relate to amendments to the Constitution such as children's rights and so forth. Given the timeframe is narrowing I ask for clarification. Does the Taoiseach intend to introduce legislation to amend the Constitution in time for a constitutional referendum on the same day as the presidential election?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Government will publish proposals in this area very shortly. I referred to corporate donations yesterday and the work being done by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Deputy can expect news pretty soon.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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What is the timeline as regards legislation relating to amendments to the Constitution as we would need to see them soon if they are to be in time for a constitutional referendum to be held on the same day as the presidential election? The Taoiseach alluded to this before in the House. I seek clarification. Will it happen now or will it not be on the same day?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are not going to have a debate on the issue.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy is in a desperate hurry to get rid of corporate donations completely.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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No, I am not. The Taoiseach raised it.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach made a virtue of it during the election, but he is doing his damnedest to hold onto them now.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach is a belated convert.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister, Deputy Hogan, is smiling. He can hold the golf classics now that the weather is changing.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputies have had their couple of seconds of fun. Can we hear the Taoiseach's answer?
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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When is the K Club event this year?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is preparing a comprehensive range of proposals in this regard.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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He can do some fundraising in the meantime.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have already referred to my views on the constitutional referendums that will take place this year.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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What about the referendum on children's rights?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have given my view on the referendums that might be held this year, in conjunction with the presidential election, to the House on a number of occasions.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I want to get clarification on that.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, we are not having a debate.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On a point of order-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I gave the Deputy a fair-----
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I accept that. I am not talking about any specific measure.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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A time limit of half an hour has been agreed for the Order of Business every Wednesday.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am trying to be constructive here.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are exceeding that.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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We are trying to be helpful.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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If we are to vote on a constitutional amendment on any issue on the day of the presidential election, we will need to know when the legislation will be introduced in the House. Timelines in terms of referendum commissions, etc., will have to be adhered to. That is the information I am trying to seek.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Deputy tables a parliamentary question, we will get him the answer.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Will there be any referendum on the day of the presidential election?
Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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We do not intend to breach the relevant procedures.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have asked that question three times.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is the Deputy asking whether there will be another referendum on the day of the presidential election?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Yes. I asked that at the beginning.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have already given my view that there are two priority areas in this respect. We consider that referendums on the issues in question - the Abbeylara judgment and the protection of whistleblowers - should be held on the day of the presidential election. In the first instance, we believe Oireachtas committees should be able to compel witnesses to come before them. The Attorney General is proceeding with the drafting of legislation to that effect. In the second instance, we believe whistleblowers who bring important information to the notice of people should be fully protected. We consider that referendums on these two priority areas should be held on the same day as the presidential election.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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What about the referendum on children's rights?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That will not happen on the day of the presidential election.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Fine. I thank the Taoiseach.
Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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The Taoiseach is aware that the first sitting of the new Seanad will take place today. As a former Senator, I wish the Members of the new Seanad well. The programme for Government contains a commitment to hold a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is only out the door of the Seanad and he is trying to pull it down.
Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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I wonder if the Taoiseach can tell us how legislation in that respect is progressing. When does the Government expect to hold a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad?
Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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We were told it would be done in the first year of this Dáil.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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In the first 100 days.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I said it would happen within 12 months of the Government taking office. We are nearing the conclusion of the process of drawing up proposals for the establishment of a constitutional convention. The issue raised by Deputy Hannigan will be considered at that forum. I intend to have a referendum on the matter in 2012.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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When does the Taoiseach envisage that legislation will be published to provide for the abolition of prescription charges? The Minister, Deputy Reilly, has announced on numerous occasions that he intends to abolish prescription charges. We have now found he has delayed that. Will it happen in the next 40 days or so? The Government's first 100 days are almost up.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will try to get the Deputy an answer.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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This is a key issue.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I appreciate that.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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We have now found-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, we cannot have a discussion on it. We know what the Deputy is looking for.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I genuinely believe-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will get you an answer in a minute.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister for Health should outline why legislation has not yet been published. There are just 40 days left in the Government's 100-day window for the abolition of these charges.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The reason the legislation has not been published is that we are operating within the IMF-EU deal.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Did the Taoiseach not know that before 25 February last?
Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy should listen.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Kelleher and his colleagues know all about the deal.
Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Did they not negotiate it?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Some serious legislation will have to be drafted and enacted in accordance with a strict timeline and in the context of the IMF-EU deal. Deputy Kelleher seems to have the impression that we will deal with every legislative matter in our first 100 days in office.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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That is what we were told before 25 February.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Moses had to strike the rock twice before he got water from it.
Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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There has been a complete turnaround.
Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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I would like to raise two issues. First, what will happen if the constitutional convention mentioned by the Taoiseach recommends that the Seanad be reformed? In such circumstances, will legislation be introduced to reform the Seanad? Second, we have waited a long time for the establishment of the Oireachtas committees. If we are to exercise our role as Deputies properly, we need the committees to be established and to be meeting. When will they be established? When will they start meeting?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The second question is in order.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I expect the Oireachtas committees to be in operation by next week. The Deputy will have an opportunity to play a full part in them.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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During the recent general election campaign, Fine Gael and the Labour Party emphasised their intention to abolish upward-only rent reviews for existing leases. A commitment to that effect is contained in the programme for Government. When does the Government propose to bring legislation in this regard to the House? Many people bought into what Fine Gael and the Labour Party were saying.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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When is the legislation due?
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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They are wondering where the legislation is.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Taoiseach has been asked about promised legislation.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That will be done by means of the Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009, which is awaiting Committee Stage at the moment.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Does the Government intend to propose an amendment to the Bill?
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Will it be retrospective?
Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Watch the creamery cheque.
Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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I would like to refer to an important section of the programme for Government that has received little attention and has not been prioritised. I was extremely disappointed that social enterprise, which has the potential to deliver thousands of jobs, was not mentioned in the recent jobs initiative.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should ask a question about promised legislation.
Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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What steps does the Government intend to take to roll out the section of the programme for Government dealing with social enterprise and to realise its job creation potential?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation is actively working on this element of the programme for Government. As the Deputy is aware, the programme for Government will be implemented over the lifetime of the Government. I share the Deputy's views on the potential for job creation in this regard. The Minister will make his intentions known as quickly as he can.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I remind Members that it is in order to raise aspects of the programme for Government only if they have been elevated to the status of promised legislation.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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In other words, we cannot go through five years of promised legislation.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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These things have been promised, a Cheann Comhairle.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, sorry. I am telling Deputies what is in order in accordance with Standing Orders. It is in order to ask about parts of the programme for Government that have been elevated to the legislative programme.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The programme for Government was-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am only making the point.
Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I understand that the public service pensions Bill, which will introduce a single pension scheme for new entrants to the public service, has been promised in this session. Can the Taoiseach say when the Government intends to introduce the Bill?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I expect it to be published in this session.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Can the Taoiseach clarify the position regarding a person who has paid into a contributory pension, but is in tax arrears when he or she reaches the age at which he or she is entitled to the old age pension?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sorry, the Deputy is totally out of order.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Is there promised legislation or intended legislation in this regard?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy can ask about promised legislation, but not about intended legislation.
Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Is it intended to promise the legislation?
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Can the Taoiseach clarify whether-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, he cannot clarify.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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-----the Department is within its rights-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is not Question Time.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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-----to refuse a person an old age pension-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Deputy tables a parliamentary question, he will get an answer.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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-----into which he or she has paid-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sorry Deputy, you are out of order.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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-----simply because he or she is in tax arrears?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Taoiseach cannot answer the Deputy's question.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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If the Department is within its rights to do so, does the Taoiseach intend to introduce legislation to correct that anomaly?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputies should ask about promised legislation only. Is legislation promised in this regard?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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No such legislation is promised. I suggest the Deputy should table a parliamentary question-----
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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-----to the Minister for Social Protection and include the details of the case to which he refers.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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I have tabled questions, but I cannot get answers.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will get you an answer.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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I have tried to raise the matter on the Adjournment, but I have not been selected.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The position on contributory pensions is fairly clear.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Exactly. The Deputy knows that as well as I do. Fair play to him for trying anyway.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Minister, Deputy Burton, will sort it out.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I would like to ask about important legislation that is promised to strengthen the powers of the Criminal Assets Bureau with regard to the forfeiture of the proceeds of crime. Everyone will agree that such a Bill would be timely. Similarly, I would like to ask about the Bill that will consolidate all the legislation currently cited as the Prevention of Corruption Acts 1889-2005 in a single Statute. I refer to items Nos. 85 and 86 on the Government legislative programme. Is it intended to expedite their process through the Oireachtas?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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When are they due?
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Perhaps they can be elevated to section B, rather than section C, of the Government legislative programme.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I think the Taoiseach has made that position clear.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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One of these Bills will deal with the proceeds of crime and the other will deal with criminal justice. I do not have a date for either Bill.
Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Can the Taoiseach tells us when he intends to publish legislation that will levy the household utility charge across all households in Ireland? Can he confirm that the Government intends to introduce a licensing regime for one-off or single houses that rely on septic tanks for effluent disposal?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is this promised legislation?
Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Does the Government intend to publish legislation to provide for such a licensing regime?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The septic tanks issue will be dealt with as part of the water services (amendment) Bill, the heads of which were cleared on 10 May last. Work is proceeding on the legislation. I cannot give the Deputy any detailed dates in that regard. We will bring it to the House when the work has been completed.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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When does the Taoiseach think it will be introduced?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sorry, Deputy-----
Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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My first question was on the proposed household utility charge. When will legislation be published on the charge?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Is the Deputy referring to water charges?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Does he agree with them?
The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government has been developing proposals for a programme of water metering and the introduction of water charges following commitments given in the EU-IMF programme for financial support and the decision taken by the previous Government. This work is still under consideration.
Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach referred to water metering. A proposal has been made to introduce a utility charge before water charges are introduced. What is the position in that regard?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will not have a discussion on the matter. I ask Deputy Collins to resume his seat.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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On the promise made by the Minister for Finance when the House discussed the recapitalisation of the four covered institutions, the Minister indicated that a further assessment of the capital requirement for Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide would be made available in May. With the end of May approaching, when will the results of the assessment of the results of the stress tests into the two banks in question be made available to the House? Will a debate on the taxpayers' money the Government intends to inject into these defunct institutions be scheduled for next week given that we are about to enter a new month?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The first thing we should do is wait until we have the results of the stress analysis. We will then be in a position to discuss the matter further. Obviously, if the assessment had been produced by now, it would have been made available to the House.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Will the deadline of May, set for completion of the stress test on Anglo Irish Bank, be missed?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy's question is not in order.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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It relates to the scheduling of business for next week.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not in order. We do not discuss next week's business on the Order of Business.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Yes, we do. I have here the relevant rulings which state we may refer to business promised, sittings, legislation-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Business promised.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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The matter I raise is business promised.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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The Minister for Finance promised that an assessment would be done of both institutions by the end of May.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is not business promised in the House.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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The Minister promised it in the House on the day in question.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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He did not promise a debate in the House.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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We are about to inject billions of euro of taxpayers' money into Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide. The Minister promised he would have the relevant figures by May and I am asking if we will miss that deadline and whether the House will not have the debate it should have next week on the further recapitalisation.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a matter for a parliamentary question. I ask the Taoiseach whether a debate will be held next week.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Debates, as the Ceann Comhairle knows, are a matter for the Whips' meetings to decide. Deputy Doherty and his party are perfectly entitled to raise a request for a debate when the information becomes available. I do not have the figures as of this morning.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does Deputy Higgins have a question?
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Yes, I have been trying for some time to ask a question.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am sorry I did not see the Deputy. When I asked him earlier he did not indicate.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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I appreciate that. I do not have a dispute with the Ceann Comhairle today.
The Taoiseach is not up to speed with the legislative programme of his Ministers. Three weeks ago the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, who is admittedly the Machiavelli of the Government with whom the Taoiseach will have a job keeping up, stated-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Deputy to get on with it.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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-----that water charges or a property tax would not be introduced next year.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are not having a debate.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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However, he promised a new household utility charge on a flat rate. When will the legislation giving effect to this charge be brought before the House? Is the Labour Party happy with the charge?
Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Given that the Taoiseach did not answer my question on the issue, perhaps the Ceann Comhairle will allow him to answer Deputy Higgins's question.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is legislation promised?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is pursuing the development of the proposal for water metering and water charges in accordance with the IMF-EU deal. That work is proceeding and the Minister will keep the Deputy informed as he makes his decisions.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach did not answer the question.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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With respect, a Cheann Comhairle-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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With the greatest respect, while I understand what the Deputy is trying to get at, the matter is one for a parliamentary question. Legislation is not promised.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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I am sorry to disagree with the Ceann Comhairle. Three weeks ago, the Minister stood opposite and promised the House that a charge would be introduced. The Taoiseach must tell us when it will be introduced.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Taoiseach told the Deputy a date has not been set.
Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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As usual, he blamed us for it.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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He did not even refer to the charge but raised something else that has been set aside.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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He told the Deputy about an examination. I ask the Taoiseach to read out his statement again as Deputies may not have clearly understood it.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government is developing proposals on a programme of water metering and the introduction of domestic water charges following commitments given in the EU-IMF programme for financial support and the decision taken by the previous Government.
Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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The Taoiseach did not reply to the question.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The programme and considerations are being developed by the Minister who will keep Deputy Higgins and every other Deputy informed as he proceeds with that work.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is the end of the debate on the issue.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Before moving on to questions, I propose to pay a brief tribute to Mr. Victor Loughman, an usher on the Superintendent's staff, who retired yesterday after 22 years' service to the House. For those who have been here over the years, Victor was exemplary in the performance of his duties, courteous in his dealings with Deputies and visitors to the House and a role model for those who enter public service. I wish him and all the members of his family every continued success and thank him for his years of public service to the country.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I wish Victor a healthy and happy retirement and thank him for his courtesy, understanding and assistance through the years. He personified the very high standards of the personnel of the House, both in their facilitation of Members and interaction with the general public.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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While I have only been a Deputy for a short while, all of the staff have been very welcoming, professional and competent. I wish Victor and his family well.
Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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On behalf of the Labour Party, I wish Victor a happy and active retirement. The ushers of the House are very important for Members, particularly for new Deputies for whom there is not a book available on how to be a Teachta Dála and who rely on the guidance of the ushers, particularly individuals such as Victor. I wish him and his family well and I wish him a long, happy and active retirement.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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On behalf of other Members of the House, I join the party leaders in wishing Victor and his family well and Victor many years of happy retirement. I thank him also for his many years of service.^