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

It is proposed to take No. 3, Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2011 - Second Stage (resumed); and No. 10, statements on Dáil reform. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the following arrangements shall apply in regard to No. 10: the statements of a Minister or Minister of State and of the main spokespersons for Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Technical Group, who shall be called upon in that order, shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case, the statements of other Members called upon shall not exceed ten minutes in each case, Members may share time, and a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed ten minutes.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, 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. 10, statements on Dáil reform, agreed to? Agreed.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In regard to primary and secondary legislation and the ordering of business in the House, we know from this week the ability of the Tánaiste and other members of the Labour Party to say one thing in public and to make a totally different commitment in private.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy should be allowed to speak without interruption.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Fine Gael Deputies are defending the Tánaiste. That must be a consolation to him.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is not funny. I ask Deputy Durkan to allow Deputy Ó Cuív to continue.

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

I apologise, a Cheann Comhairle.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Ó Cuív is on his feet and should be allowed to proceed.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Given the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn's, solemn signed pledge of less than three months ago to reverse the €500 increase in the student services charge and the €200 charge for post-leaving certificate courses-----

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Who imposed those charges?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputies must let Deputy Ó Cuív have his say. The Tánaiste will deal with the matter.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I ask Members to show some respect to the Deputy who is in possession. Deputy Buttimer, you are always at this. Would you please stay quiet?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I ask Deputy Ó Cuív to proceed.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister, Deputy Quinn, confirmed this week that he will not now reverse these increases and that he is considering-----

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

A Cheann Comhairle, the Deputy is not asking about promised legislation.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am coming to that, if the Deputy will be patient. The Minister indicated he is now considering the introduction of third level fees. Will the Tánaiste arrange for a debate on this issue and will he confirm whether primary and secondary legislation will be required?

I gcomhthéacs an Bille Gaeltachta atá geallta, an bhféadfadh an Tánaiste a dhearbhú inniu nach bhfuil aon bhunús leis na ráflaí atá ag dul thart go bhfuil i gceist laghdú a dhéanamh ar chumhachtaí an údaráis agus na cumhachtaí fiontraíochta a bhaint de?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The latter is completely out of order.

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

I remind Deputy Ó Cuív that the increases in the student registration charges to which he refers were introduced by his own Government.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We accept that; it is not the issue.

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

The damage that Government did to the economy-----

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

If Members ask a question they should listen to the answer.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The parties opposite knew all about this before the election.

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

We do know all about it, and the Irish people know all about it. That is why they made the decisions they did in the election. It will take quite some time to undo the damage the previous Government did in education and in many other services.

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Tánaiste was more sincere when he was on this side of the House.

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

There is no legislation promised on the matter referred to by the Deputy.

Maidir leis an Bhille i dtaobh Údarás na Gaeltachta, tá reachtaíocht geallta ach ní dóigh liom go mbeidh sé foilsithe go dtí an bhliain seo chugainn.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Watching the antics of this Government in recent times reminds me of "Fawlty Towers". The latest water charges episode has the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach cast as Manolos, claiming they know nothing.

Deputies:

Manuel.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Or even Manuels.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can we proceed please?

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

They still know nothing.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Whatever about the Tánaiste's preference for footwear, when can we expect to see legislation on water charges, which the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has stated will be imposed on households from 1 January? When can we expect to see legislation on the household charge, however it is defined, and will this be part of the budget or a stand-alone measure? I could ask how the Tánaiste expects people to pay these charges when record numbers are struggling with personal debt but that would be entirely out of order.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Thank you so much.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The legislative programme envisages the electricity (transmission assets) Bill. This proposes to hand over ESB transmission assets. The Government has a copy of the Cahill report, which it has failed to publish. I understand the report states clearly that the handover would be expensive and damaging to the State. The report also outlines that the State should and can seek a derogation from the EU directive.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy McDonald is talking about the legislation.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am asking about the legislation in the first instance and, second, whether the Government has sought a derogation from the directive and if the Tánaiste could publish the Cahill report.

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

I recommend that Deputy McDonald improves the quality of her television viewing. It is a sad life to be watching reruns of an old, outdated television series.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We just come in here.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Go ahead, Micheál, Bertie or Brian.

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

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has set out proposals that are under consideration by him. The proposals have yet to be brought to Government and the Government has yet to make a decision on the matter. When it does, if legislation is required, it will be prepared and brought before the House. The electricity (transmission assets) Bill will allow for the unbundling of the electricity transmission system assets and to establish EirGrid in primary legislation. Consultants were appointed to carry out an independent analysis on the electricity transmission assets and consideration of that is still with the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Speaking of reruns, can the Tánaiste imagine how sick we are of seeing Fine Gael and the Labour Party doing an exact rerun of the horror movie that was Fianna Fáil and the Green Party in regard to-----

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Higgins is fairly stuck in a groove himself. Mao is dead, even the Chinese know it.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I understand that Deputy Stagg is still smarting from being forced to sit over there rather than nearer the seat of power but he must desist.

Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Closer to Deputy Higgins.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Tánaiste has not cleared up the confusion, from a legislative point of view, about the Government intention with regard to the new stealth taxes. Three have been proposed - water, property and the new household utility charge. What is the legislative provision for these? Specifically, will the Government introduce legislation this year to impose a water tax on householders? In regard to these charges, will the Tánaiste explain the Labour Party's shabby betrayal as he cynically abandons another election promise, having said he would not introduce water charges?

Deputies:

We never said that.

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

There is no confusion. The question of legislation only arises when the Government has made a decision. The Government has not made a decision on any of these matters. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has set out the proposals under consideration. When he has concluded his consideration and brings a recommendation to Government, a decision will be made. If the question of legislation arises from that decision, it will be prepared and brought before the House.

Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Like many other Deputies, I attended the InterTradeIreland event at the Mansion House. It was great to see so many companies trying to create jobs at home and abroad. One concern raised by a company from my county of Meath was achieving payment for work done. My understanding is that part of the Construction Contracts Bill provides for this issue. The Bill has been laid before the House. Can the Tánaiste tell us when it will be brought before the House?

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

The Government is willing to take the Bill in this House. It was debated in the Seanad. We hope to have Second Stage in this House before the summer recess.

Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The registration of wills Bill would do a great service to the country if it was introduced as soon as possible. It is overdue and will address the crazy situation where the family of the deceased and the solicitor administering an estate cannot formally establish whether the deceased held a will. This has been going on for years and I ask that we do some housekeeping to debate the legislation as soon as possible.

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

I do not see the registration of wills Bill listed on the Government's legislation programme. There was a Private Members' Bill on this topic in the Seanad. I will check the position on it and I will revert to the Deputy.

Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government has a commitment to introduce legislation on the reform of local government. This will consider the undemocratic system of sitting county managers and give serious, powerful, decision-making roles to councillors. When will legislation on this be introduced?

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

The Government has a series of reform measures to be introduced. The reform legislation being given priority concerns the funding of political parties and constituency revision arising from the census. Legislation on these matters is being prepared. In addition, legislation is being prepared to provide for an incentive for political parties to encourage an increase in the participation of women in Irish politics, particularly in election to the Dáil. The issue of local government reform will be considered in advance of the local elections that are not due until 2014. The heads of the local government services corporate bodies (amendment) Bill have been approved and a draft from the Office of the Attorney General is expected shortly.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I would like clarification on how the Government is working out its first 100 days in office. What method is it using to calculate that?

Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The calendar.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is now approximately 96 days-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy cannot go on like this, he should ask a question.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This is very important with regard to legislation promised within 100 days, particularly the NewERA Bill.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Has the Deputy a question on legislation?

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yes.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Would he please ask it?

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Along with the NewERA Bill, there is a Government commitment to abolish 20 State bodies. What method is being used to calculate the first 100 days in office?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We are not into methods but when legislation will be published.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Does it take in normal days, working days or Dáil sitting days? It is now 96 days since the election and almost 86 days since the Government was formed.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy should ask the question. He will not be called again if he is not careful.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We have had 70 years of Fianna Fáil.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is a vast number of Bills promised within the first 100 days.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy should ask the question. To what Bill is he referring?

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Tánaiste name the day on which his Government will have been in office for 100 days?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy, please.

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

The Deputy needs a calendar.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am calling Deputy Boyd Barrett.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can we expect to see all the promised legislation before then?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is not an appropriate question.

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My question is when will the Government have been in office for 100 days?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is not an appropriate question. The Deputy should not abuse the Order of Business. We can all count.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yesterday we heard the shocking news that there is an intention to impose a 10% cut on the teaching hours available for special needs, visiting more suffering on one of the most vulnerable sectors of our society.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is wrong.

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Wrong.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Can we at least expect some discussion on the matter or a debate in this House?

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy is wrong.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We must make it a priority to protect the most vulnerable sectors of our society from the effects of austerity.

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy is wrong.

John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is disinformation.

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

The Deputy is wrong.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is not the first time.

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

There is no 10% cut in support teachers-----

Robert Dowds (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is an increase.

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

-----in the school system. There are 350 more resource teachers this year than last year.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Labour Party press office is working this morning.

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

What was announced by the Minister for Education and Skills very sensibly yesterday was that he would allocate 90% of those now, with the remaining 10% to be allocated later in the year, when the position of schools becomes much clearer.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy should withdraw his scurrilous remark.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is a serious matter.

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

That is in order to ensure that we get the best value for money and that resource teachers are applied to where they are most needed.

Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy is participating in the politics of fear.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is an increase.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Returning to the issue of the electricity Bill, the Cahill report recommends that we could apply for a derogation - it would be successful - from the EU electricity directive. The deadline for doing so is next week so the clock is ticking. The Cahill report has not been published but it clearly recommends an opportunity for us to do something which is cost-efficient. The Government must give this its urgent attention as the deadline is next week. Will the Government seek that derogation and implement the recommendations of the Cahill report?

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

I am not briefed on the detail of but I will ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to respond directly.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The press office has announced the broad policy on prescription charges but we are still waiting for the publication of legislation to abolish prescription charges, as was announced by the Minister, Deputy James Reilly, some time ago with great fanfare. We will facilitate the speedy passage of that legislation through the House as soon as it is published.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am sure the Minister will be delighted to hear that.

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

That health amendment legislation will be published later in the year.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It will be later in the year and not the first 100 days of the Government.

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

It was not done for 15 years either.

Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Possibly the most important Bill to come before this House so far has been the Finance (No. 2) Bill. Is it intended to curtail discussion on that next week and guillotine it within one day?

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

I understand the Bill is listed for debate next Thursday and it is not intended to guillotine it.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Tánaiste mentioned Dáil reform and I wonder will the issue of gender balance arise. There are plans to penalise parties if they do not have a proper balance. Will that also apply to Independents and how will that be done?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is a very difficult question to answer. The Tánaiste should be given the chance to answer it.

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

I presume Deputy Ellis is supportive of the Government's reform proposal and our intention to introduce legislation that would have political parties suffer a penalty if they do not, at the next general election, have a gender balance of 30% and 70%. In elections after seven years, the gender balance will be 40% and 60%. The issue of attaining a gender balance in this House is long overdue and it requires legislation. The Deputy asked how this might apply to Independent Deputies.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It has not been worked out yet.

John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There are options.

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

This House has addressed many difficult issues and will no doubt do so again in the foreseeable future. I have a suspicion that this one may be beyond even the all-party collective ingenuity of Members.

Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We could set up a committee.

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In the EU-IMF deal, stress tests carried out in the banking sector were to be completed and a plan was to be published. Legislation is promised for the credit union sector. The new deal - as opposed to the old deal - signed up to a programme of consolidation in the sector and according to media reports, this could result in the closure of up to half of the credit unions in the country. Will the Tánaiste clarify the position?

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

It is intended to introduce the Bill to regulate credit unions towards the end of the year.

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When will we have Committee Stage of the Communications Regulation (Postal Services) Bill 2010?

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

It is awaiting Committee Stage and I understand that as soon as time is available, it will be taken.

Séamus Healy (Tipperary South, Workers and Unemployed Action Group)
Link to this: Individually | In context

When does the Government expect to bring before the House amendments to the Freedom of Information Act to ensure that the secret operations of NAMA will be made more transparent?

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

I expect that will be later in the year.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have a point of order. There has been much discussion about Dáil reform and I would like the guidance of the Ceann Comhairle on the reading of scripts in the Chamber by Members. It is discouraged under the Salient Rulings of the Chair. Will the Ceann Comhairle give us some guidance?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In accordance with Standing Orders, a script is only allowed when a Minister is introducing legislation. Notes may be used by a Deputy to assist a presentation.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Many long notes.

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

That is correct.

David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

How will that be enforced?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It will be through the Chair.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Perhaps we need a couple of heavies in here.

Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

For the record, Deputy Ellis will be delighted to hear that the grouping with the highest percentage of females in this Parliament is the Technical Group, with a figure of 25%.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That is useful information. I believe Deputy Higgins has already been called.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Nothing in Standing Orders prevents me from standing up a second time.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is always nice to hear from the Deputy anyway.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I thank the Ceann Comhairle. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is adamant that a flat rate utility charge - a new stealth tax - will be introduced next year.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Is the Tánaiste saying he is wrong?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

He is not going to indicate whether the Minister is right or wrong. This is about legislation.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Excuse me, Ceann Comhairle. It is about legislation.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

This is not a debate on whether a Minister is right or wrong. This is about legislation being introduced or promised.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I did not think is was necessary to say it.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Deputy Higgins knows that as well as I do.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

That would necessitate legislation, so one could argue that legislation is promised.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

He already answered that question.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

He did not answer the question. He said it had not been discussed by the Government.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Ask him to clarify.

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

I have already answered this question twice this morning. The Minister has set out publicly certain issues that are being considered by him and his Department. As the Taoiseach and I have indicated, these proposals have not yet been considered by the Government and the issue of legislation does not arise until the Government has made a decision on them.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Tabharfaidh mé seans eile don Tánaiste a dhearbhú nach bhfuil i gceist aon laghdú a dhéanamh ar chumhachtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta. Tá ráflaí ag dul thart go bhfuil sin i gceist agus tá an-imní ar phobal na Gaeltachta. Seo an dara seans don Tánaiste a dhearbhú do phobal na Gaeltachta nach dtiocfar siar ar straitéis 20 bliain don Ghaeilge mar a foilsíodh í agus mar a d'aontaigh na páirtithe uile sa Teach.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Tánaiste clarify the matter? Is legislation due?

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

Tá an Teachta Ó Cuív ag éisteacht le ráflaí. Níl a fhios agam cé atá freagrach as na raflaí sin. An féidir leis a rá sa Teach cé atá freagrach astu? Mar a dúirt mé, tá reachtaíocht maidir le hÚdarás na Gaeltachta ann agus tiocfaidh an reachtaíocht sin os comhair na Dála. Seans gur fearr leis ceist dhíreach a chur ar an Aire faoi na hábhair a bheidh sa Bhille sin.

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

An bhfuil cinneadh déanta ag an Rialtas faoi chumhachtaí Údarás na Gaeltachta?