Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed take No. 1, Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2011 [Seanad] - Second Stage (resumed) and Subsequent Stages; and No. 4, Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Bill 2011- Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. tonight and shall adjourn immediately after Private Members' business which shall be No. 26 – motion re employment and the national internship scheme (resumed), which shall be taken on the conclusion of No. 1 or at 7.30 p.m., whichever is the later, and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 90 minutes; (2) in relation to No. 1, the resumed Second Stage of which shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 6 p.m., the proceedings on the Committee and Remaining Stages shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7.30 p.m. tonight by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the Minister for Finance.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I object to the guillotining of the Bill because it reflects a pattern of behaviour since the Government took up office of ramming through Bill after Bill using the guillotine, a general lack of accountability to the House and a lack of transparency. For example, Taoiseach's questions has been reduced to once a week. There has been a clear pattern of avoiding every opportunity for detailed scrutiny of what the Government is up to. More and more, the Parliament is becoming a creature of the Executive and the Government's behaviour regarding this Bill reflects that even more.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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I strongly object to the Government's approach to the Bill, which will dip into the pockets of every insurance policyholder bar health policyholders to the tune of approximately €738 million. The figure was first announced at €600 million in April and it is increasing on a weekly basis. The Minister needs to answer serious questions regarding this legislation, particularly in regard to the payoff to the bondholders of Anglo Irish Bank. Far from what the Taoiseach believes, the taxpayer is paying bondholders through the promissory note, which will cost €60 billion.

It is wrong to slam the remaining Stages of the Bill today into one slot with one vote at the end of the debate, particularly given the Seanad was forced to deal with all sections of the legislation in one sitting. It is improper and it is completely out of kilter with the Government's commitment to political reform to allow inadequate time to scrutinise legislation. I appeal to the Taoiseach at the last minute to reverse the decision on this guillotine and to take Committee Stage during a later sitting.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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It is precisely because I am concerned about putting people before profit that I am deeply concerned about the fact that the Taoiseach has failed to heed the objections raised yesterday about ramming the Bill through in such a short time. If ever there was an example of putting profit before people, this Bill is it. The people deserve a proper debate and proper scrutiny of this Bill, which provides for nothing more than ordinary policyholders and the wider economy in terms of higher insurance costs being asked to pick up the tab to bail out Mr. Quinn in a labyrinthine deal with Anglo Irish Bank, its bondholders and a multinational company that will walk off with the profitable bits of an insurance company after the people having picked up the tab for Mr. Quinn's shenanigans.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Nothing in this Bill provides for going after the €200 million that was handed to his kids in 2008 before everything collapsed.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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I urge the Taoiseach to extend the debate to allow Members to scrutinise every aspect of the Bill.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am astonished that Deputies Martin, Doherty and Boyd Barrett did not mention the fact that 1,600 jobs in Cavan and Blanchardstown depend on this Bill.

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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For the information of Deputy Boyd Barrett, these are ordinary working people who have jobs.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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We want to protect the jobs as well.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is about time the Deputy realised this is due for mention in the High Court on 4 October.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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So take Committee Stage tomorrow.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The question will be whether provision has been made to pay into this fund. There are 1,600 jobs dependent on this. None of the three Deputies mentioned this.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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If the Taoiseach had listened to the debate yesterday, he would have heard our concerns about the workers.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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They want to go on with their usual litany of public scrutiny and public debate, which, of course, is important.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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It is secondary issue for the Government.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach has some nerve.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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What price the jobs?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I hope Deputy Mattie McGrath called all his constituents together for an analysis of this. This issue is due for mention in the High Court on 4 October and this Bill has to go through. There are 1,600 jobs depending on it.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach is becoming more and more like his party's presidential candidate, except with more waffle.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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For that reason, the Deputies will have an opportunity to ask questions later.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I ask the Taoiseach about the commitment in the programme for Government and the commitment given by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform to publish the results of the comprehensive spending review in October. There is a lot of interest in this. Along with other Deputies, I attended a meeting the other night on special needs provision, where cutbacks are continuing despite a level of funding being made available which has not been reached. The Taoiseach acknowledged the freezing of 475 posts for emergencies. They could be released. When can we expect the comprehensive spending review to be published? Will it be in the middle of October? Will it be before the crucial electoral date at the end of October?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I cannot give Deputy Martin an exact date for this. I do not think the Minister is going to publish the review as it comes in to him. I think the information that is going to be made available as we prepare the three-year fiscal programme will be available for debate and discussion here. The Minister will set out a timeline - he has not done so yet, but he will do so shortly - for a structure to this, for the completion of his analysis of the expenditure review, for the preparation and publication of the three-year fiscal plan, and for the preparation of the Estimates leading into the budget. We hope to change things from previous years. Rather than having Deputies discuss Estimates in February or March, we might be able to change that fairly radically so that Members have an opportunity to give their views based on the information supplied in the comprehensive spending review and the formation of the fiscal plan and Estimates. I cannot give Deputy Martin an exact date now, but we will set out a timeline for it.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Did the Taoiseach say he is not going to publish the comprehensive spending review per se?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The information in the comprehensive spending review will be available, but we are not going to publish it as it comes in to-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Why not?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has to make a judgment as to where we go as the Cabinet and the decisions we have to make. When we come to the point where we prepare the Estimates leading to the budget, the information that backs that up-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The bord snip nua report was published.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Yes. That will all be part of the discussions.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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This is a new departure.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Obviously, quangos and assimilation of agencies will be part of that.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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This is extraordinary.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach is not going to publish the comprehensive spending review.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy can never believe-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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He is not going to publish-----

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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He did not say that.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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He did say that.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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He did not say he is not going to publish the comprehensive spending review.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Tá ceist agam ar reachtaíocht atá geallta maidir leis an bpróiséas chun daoine a ainmniú do thoghchán na huachtaránachta. Tá a fhios ag an Taoiseach nach bhfuil an próiséas go maith. Feicimid na hiarrthóirí ar an teilifís agus cloisimid iad ar an raidio ag rith ar fud an Stáit ag lorg votaí. My question is around political reform and, predictably, the archaic system for those who wish to be nominated to run in presidential elections. Under the Taoiseach's promised legislation on political reform, is there any plan to change the system to make it more democratic, more open and easier for citizens who want to nominate for that position?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I committed to setting up a constitutional convention, and I expect to do that after the Presidency. That is an issue that the convention can consider. It is a matter of much discussion. I think the current closing time for nominations will result in seven candidates for the Presidency. It will be a matter for the convention to consider, discuss and make recommendations as to whether it thinks the process should be changed to a more meaningful or relevant one.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I am sure the Taoiseach agrees they are all appropriate candidates, but does the Government have any plans to bring forward legislation on the issue?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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No. What I did commit to was to have a referendum later in respect of the question about the abolition of the Seanad, and we have to have a referendum on children's rights. The matters to be considered by the constitutional convention can include the criteria and process for nomination for the Presidency. I am sure that the convention will make a number of recommendations that Government and the Houses can consider.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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On promised legislation and in light of the disclosure yesterday that the bowel cancer screening programme is to be postponed for another six months, one of the main issues that has been raised is the inability of hospitals to do colonoscopies. I understand that 2,500 people are waiting for a colonoscopy. In the context of No. 86, on the licensing of health care facilities, when will the legislation be introduced? State-of-the-art theatres and staff are lying idle at Roscommon County Hospital and they could be used to carry out those procedures, deal with the backlog and take away the fear from people who are waiting for colonoscopies. Will the Taoiseach intervene to ensure this work takes place in Roscommon?

A Deputy:

They closed Roscommon hospital.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Draft heads of a Bill have been submitted to the Minister for consultation. The bowel cancer screening issue is of concern. I understand the programme was to begin in January and the Minister is concerned about the delay. As the Deputy knows, the Government's view is that small hospitals have a real future.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Tell that to the people in Roscommon.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am aware this is of concern to Deputy Naughten, Deputy Feighan and others, and in due course we will make a number of announcements about Roscommon.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Many Members of this House will be members of policing committees, which have a continuing focus on the availability of alcohol to minors, particularly in the run-up to the Hallowe'en period. Under promised legislation, the Government has given a commitment regarding a Bill on the sale and availability of alcohol. Will the Taoiseach tell us when it will come before the House?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That Bill will be published next year.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Given the dire and escalating crisis in accident and emergency departments throughout the country and the uncertainty and threat that hangs over those in Loughlinstown hospital in my constituency and others that have been mentioned today, will the Taoiseach allow a debate in the near future on the situation of our health service and accident and emergency departments? It is a pressing issue.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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It is an issue for a debate.

Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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On the Order Paper, we have the birds and natural habitats regulations 2011, which I understand were signed yesterday. Is the Taoiseach aware of the dire consequences this will have on people in rural Ireland? I hear that is where he comes from. Will he make a statement on the matter?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Do not hear it; know it.

Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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Believe me, the Taoiseach will know it in April.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Can the Taoiseach give me a date for the much-needed Bill on the electoral commission? I understand Deputy Hogan has put a considerable amount of work into the Bill and I am personally interested in it. To safeguard electoral integrity, it is important that we have it as soon as possible.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Safeguarding the seat.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is indeed important. It will be next year before that Bill comes out.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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On many occasions the Taoiseach has identified levels of unemployment as being one of the biggest crises the country faces. He and his partners in Government have indicated-----

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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-----that the flow of credit is an integral part of that. To that extent, he has promised a strategic investment bank on a number of occasions. Can he tell us when the legislation will be brought before the House to deal with that matter?

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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What? It is in the manifestos.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Discussions are going on about that, Deputy.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Is that why the Tánaiste is not here?

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Some time ago, the Taoiseach said that one of the main reasons there is overbudgeting in hospitals and a lack of throughput was incompetent hospital management. In view of that statement, is any legislation foreseen to address the matter and restructure hospital management?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Yes. Discussions are going on and decisions are being made about improving the competency and efficiency with which hospitals are run. The Minister for Health will make a statement on that shortly.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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On the proposed legislation to deal with the European stability mechanism, can the Taoiseach give a date for when the Bill will be presented to the House and when it will pass all Stages in both Houses? When the Bill is published, will the Taoiseach also publish the legal opinion to inform Members in their deliberations on this important legislation?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Bill will be presented in this session and the Houses will be given all relevant information. I do not intend to publish any advice given by the Attorney General, in accordance with precedent, as a legal adviser to the Government.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Has the Cabinet signed off on the legal services Bill and when can we expect to see it?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Cabinet has not signed off on the legal services Bill, because a great deal of work is ongoing with it. It is a huge Bill of almost 300 pages and is quite complex. It will be brought to Cabinet as soon as possible as part of the requirement under the EU-IMF troika timeframe.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Has the Cabinet seen it yet? Has it been brought to Government?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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An original draft was produced in July but I expect the Bill will be brought to Government by the Minister for Justice and Equality shortly.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Over the past ten years, I have raised repeatedly-----

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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This is a very short history, a pen picture.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I am trying to come back into time.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of that and ask for ten seconds. The question relates to bail, an issue I have raised repeatedly in this House in the last ten years.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Recent disclosures indicate the situation is getting worse. While I do not attribute the blame for this to the current Government-----

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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-----it has been on the stocks for ten years and ten years is long enough. Could we get a firm indication of when the bail Bill will come before the House?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Minister for Justice and Law Reform is preparing legislation to consolidate and reform bail laws. It will probably not be published until next year but it may be ready at the end of this year. The work is under way in the Department.