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

It is proposed to take No. 12, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (back from committee); No. 12a, motion re statement of Estimates for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission; No. 15, statements on European Council, Brussels; No. 4, Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill 2011 - Second Stage (resumed); No. 5, Health (Provision of General Practitioner Services) Bill 2011 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; and No. 14, statements on the report by the interdepartmental working group on mortgage arrears (resumed) to be taken not later than the conclusion of Private Members' business and the order shall not resume thereafter.

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. tonight and shall adjourn not later than 10 p.m.; Nos. 12 and 12a shall be decided without debate and any division demanded on No. 12a shall be taken forthwith; the proceedings on No. 15 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 80 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: the statements shall be made by the Taoiseach and by the main spokespersons for Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Technical Group, who shall be called upon in that order and who may share their time, which shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case, and a Minister or Minister of State shall take questions for a period not exceeding 20 minutes; and the Dáil on its rising today shall adjourn until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 8 November 2011. Private Members' business shall be No. 27, motion re health services delivery (resumed), to conclude at 9 p.m. tonight, if not previously concluded.

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

There are four proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 4, that the Dáil should sit later than 9 p.m. agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 12, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the United Nations Convention against Corruption and No. 12a, motion re statement of Estimates for the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission agreed to?

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The proposal for dealing with No. 12a is not agreed to because-----

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

I am sorry. You may not speak.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

-----no logistical provision has been made for the Technical Group. I know Standing Orders do not allow me to say this. That change is required. There is no point in my objecting to the proposal if I cannot say why. It is anti-democratic.

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

Taoiseach, there is an objection to the proposal for dealing with No. 12a. Do you wish to respond?

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

What is the objection?

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

There is no logistical provision for the Technical Group. My objection is regarding a logistical provision to allow the groups to function. There is no such provision and a political change is required. We believe a contingency should be included in the Houses of the Oireachtas Estimates.

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

If a Deputy is out of order do not switch on the microphone.

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

The Deputy should form a political party while she is at it.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I tried that.

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

Is the proposal for dealing with No. 12a without debate agreed to?

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is not agreed.

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

Is the proposal for dealing with No. 15, statements on the European Council, Brussels agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal that the Dáil on its rising today shall adjourn until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 8 November 2011 agreed?

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

It is not agreed.

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

It is unbelievable.

Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We are against holidays.

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

If I may say so-----

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

Deputies, please.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Let Deputy Martin speak. Let the Punch and Judy show begin.

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

I find the proposal that the Dáil shall not sit next week extraordinary and incredible given the serious issues facing the eurozone.

Deputies:

Hear, hear.

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

There is no question but that we are in the midst-----

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

This is a democratic Chamber. Members should allow people to have their say, without this cynical heckling.

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

Could we please have a bit of order?

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

It is a moment of unparalleled crisis in Europe. Everybody across Europe and the world is talking about it. From all we have heard today, there are no great signs that Europe will solve it either at today's summit or this week and that it will come up with a half-hearted answer which will not be comprehensive or resolute enough. It is imminent and it is at a level similar to the 2008 collapse. It is that serious. Any serious economic analysis of what is happening in Europe confirms that reality.

What does this House propose? It proposes to take next week off in the aftermath of such a serious situation facing the eurozone-----

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

I thank the Deputy.

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

Normally, I would adopt a reasonable approach but I never accepted-----

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

Can we have some order please?

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

I never accepted the bona fides of this Government when it spoke about Dáil reform, longer sittings and so on because all we have had is superficial and shallow change devoid of any substance. We have a few hours once a month on a Friday, even though we were told we would have Friday sittings. It is a joke and we should see it as such. It is not a serious attempt at reform.

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

The Deputy is allowed a short------

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

The proof of the pudding is in the eating and that is why this motion is before us. The Government did not believe a word of what it said about Dáil reform in advance of the general election and it does not believe it now. How it can propose this in the midst of potentially the worst crisis facing the European Union and the eurozone is beyond belief.

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

I call Deputy Adams.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

First of all-----

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Fianna Fáil could not save Ireland never mind Europe.

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

Does one genuflect in front of such a learned colleague?

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

I ask Deputy Martin to resume his seat.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The parties of the Deputies haranguing the suggestion that we meet next week consistently objected to these adjournments. I propose we meet on 1 November so that the Taoiseach can do his democratic duty by the people and by the Dáil and report on the European summit. It will also give us the opportunity to discuss the hand over of €700 million on 2 November and to stop that. Contrary to what the Taoiseach said that this is the responsibility of another Government, it is the responsibility of this Government so it is fair to the Dáil and it is democratic that we meet next Tuesday to deal with these two issues and to move on from there.

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

I call Deputy Boyd Barrett on behalf of People before Profit.

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

I am glad the Government finds the current crisis in Europe so amusing.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

We find Deputy Boyd Barrett amusing.

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

I find Deputy Buttimer amusing as well.

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

Deputy Boyd Barrett should not mind the interruptions.

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

Amusement is not the reason we are here. Given the severity of the crisis ripping through the eurozone and the serious uncertainty about the outcome of this crisis, the very least the people of this country are entitled to is that the Taoiseach would report back after the European Council meeting to discuss the outcome and the implications of it.

Given that even the Taoiseach has acknowledged in previous discussions on the possibility of a significant write-down of Greek debt that this might open up some opportunities for Irish debt to be written down, although that has not materialised-----

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

I thank Deputy Boyd Barrett. We are not having a debate.

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

-----we also deserve a proper report on the outcome in regard to that issue.

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

Deputy Boyd Barrett should not mind the interruptions.

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

The Greeks got a write-down because they resisted. We have got nothing because we kowtowed.

As we approach the budget, and ordinary people in this country are quaking in their boots at the prospect of further austerity measures, surely we deserve a proper debate before next Wednesday on the Taoiseach's plan to hand over almost €0.75 billion to the bondholders of Anglo Irish Bank when he does not have to. Can we at least have a proper debate next week before he makes that momentous decision in advance of a budget about which people are very fearful?

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

Deputy Martin spoke about this situation being incredible and quite extraordinary and said that it reminded him of the collapse in 2008.

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

I did not say that.

A Deputy:

The Deputy did.

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

I said we were on the verge of a financial collapse like 2008.

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

The Taoiseach should proceed without interruption.

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

The Taoiseach should proceed without interruption.

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

I am sure Deputy Martin shares my view that it is very necessary that the Oireachtas is able to find out what happened in the course of that crisis and why decisions were made in the way they were. I am glad Deputy Martin supports the call for a "Yes" vote in respect of parliamentary inquires being available to those elected by the people and who are accountable to the people, unlike in lots of other sectors.

Europe and the eurozone face the most serious crisis they have faced in a very long time.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

And we are going on holidays.

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

The fundamental questions we are being asked to decide on Sunday are the question of Greece being let down, whether there is sufficient moneys in the €109 billion approved originally, how we leverage that under the European Financial Stability Facility and the facilities to do that and how one proceeds with governance. These are serious issues which will potentially have a serious impact on all the citizens of Europe, in particular those in the eurozone.

I have set out for the Members of the House a process by which we will lead up to the budget on 6 December, which has never been done before in the sense of openness and giving detailed-----

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

Ráiméis.

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

As part of that process, I want Deputy Martin to understand that the Minister for Finance will be in Berlin on Wednesday, where there will be a meeting. I have called a Cabinet meeting for Tuesday to deal with the process we have set out in the run in to the budget. The Dáil will sit for 38 weeks until July next. However, I recognise that when I was on the opposite side of the House, I raised such matters. Therefore, the Dáil will meet at 10.30 a.m. next Wednesday and at 10.30 a.m. next Thursday for normal sittings and Deputy Martin will have his opportunity to have his say about everything.

A Deputy:

Cancel your holiday, Micheál.

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

To be clear, the House will sit at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday and not at 2.30 p.m. and we will not have the week off like we used to year after year when Deputy Martin's party was in Government.

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

Do I take it the motion is withdrawn?

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

Will Deputy Martin please resume his seat?

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Opposition's bluff has been called.

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

Those opposite are shell-shocked.

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

I take it that the motion is being withdrawn.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Shock.

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

You will have to do-----

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

Could I have a bit of order, please?

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

You will not be going to Killarney for the week.

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

There is no debate.

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

If I travel, will the Government give me a refund?

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Give the Irish people a refund.

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The lads will have to shop around.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On a point of order-----

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

Must I move the amendment?

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

Yes.

Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Will the Deputies get the placards ready?

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

The motion before the House is that the Dáil on its rising shall adjourn until 2 p.m. on Tuesday, 8 November. If the Taoiseach is changing that-----

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

U-turn.

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

-----he should move that the Dáil shall sit at 10.30 a.m. next Wednesday.

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

On a point of order, could we hear what is going on, please? I cannot hear.

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

Hold on a second. The House will be told in one minute. If people would only stay quiet, I could ask the Taoiseach to change the motion.

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

I propose an amendment to the motion, namely, that Dáil Éireann shall meet next Wednesday at 10.30 a.m. and next Thursday at 10.30 a.m.

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

Did Deputy Martin hear that?

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

Is that agreed?

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On a related matter, I cannot hear what is being said.

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

At times I cannot hear either because everyone is shouting.

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

The Ceann Comhairle is pointing his finger in our direction, but he should be pointing it the other way.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I just wanted to make that point.

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

I am trying to keep order. If people obey the Chair, we might get somewhere.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose that we meet on Tuesday, 1 November. It would give us the opportunity to discuss what the Government will do on Wednesday, as meeting on Wednesday would be too late.

Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Deputy will not come in on Tuesday.

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

We are not in the business of deciding when we meet. It is for the Government to table a motion on the Dáil's sittings.

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Hear, hear.

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

Deputy Adams objected to a motion on sitting on 8 November. That motion has been withdrawn and the Government is proposing that we meet at 10.30 a.m. next Wednesday and Thursday. Is that correct?

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Yes.

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

Is the motion agreed?

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No.

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

Therefore, I will now put the question.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

"Caoimhghín, advise me quick."

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

Could I have some order? Honestly, the Deputies are not a crowd of schoolchildren. We are in a Parliament. Will Members please behave in a proper fashion?

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is all that side.

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

The proposal is that the Dáil shall meet at 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 2 November and at 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 3 November.

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

Make it Tuesday and Wednesday.

Luke Flanagan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Make it Friday.

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

Is the proposal agreed to?

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

No man is an island.

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

Could we meet on Sunday to compromise?