Dáil debates
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Order of Business
4:00 pm
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed to take No. 1, Access to Central Treasury Funds (Commission for Energy Regulation) Bill 2011 [Seanad] - Second Stage; No. 5, Competition (Amendment) Bill 2011 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; and Private Members' business shall be No. 30, motion re promissory notes.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are no proposals to be put to the House. Is the Order of Business agreed to?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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According to the programme for Government, this Dáil is due to consider at least ten constitutional amendments and an overall constitutional convention. Without a new approach and a willingness both to consult and listen to other opinions, many of these proposals will meet the same fate as the Oireachtas inquiries referendum. I hope we can be assured that the notable winning ways of Ministers Howlin and Shatter will be brought into line at some stage in the coming months.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does the Deputy have a question on legislation?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In June, when I asked the Taoiseach a question about the constitutional convention and the constitutional amendments proposed in the programme for Government, he said: "Before I draft the final structure and terms of reference, party leaders will be consulted." In the months since then, there have been absolutely no consultations whatsoever. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, has now announced that the Government will publish the structure and terms of reference in a week or so. I have had no consultation from anybody, however.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are on the Order of Business now. Does the Deputy have a question on legislation?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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A constitutional amendment requires legislation and requires the implementation of the programme for Government. I am entirely within standing orders to ask the question.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Martin has raised a valid point.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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There you are.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is the supplementaries that I do not particularly fancy.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Before I make any public announcement about the constitutional convention I will of course consult with Opposition leaders. I might make this point about "people's day, people's choice" in respect of the recent referendum. I think we need a serious discussion here as politicians and public representatives about this situation for the future. For instance, the Government is committed to holding two referenda, on children's rights and the abolition of the Seanad, which have been agreed by all parties. We do need to consider, however, the way in which that can best be structured and whether one can actually hold two referenda on the one day. If so, and if they are quite complex, what is the capacity to inform citizens so they can make their judgment in the best possible way? If one cannot generate sufficient interest in them - if one does not have over 30% of the vote - they fall dead. The constitutional convention will have to examine quite a number of areas on a whole range of issues. It will make its deliberations before it comes back to the Oireachtas. I intend that we should have an opportunity for Members to give their views on this, as to whether in fact one can hold more than one referendum in future, on the same day, on what may be complex issues. If they are held individually, one runs the risk that there is a cost involved and it may not be possible to generate enough interest to have more than 30% of the vote in the first place. Before I pronounce on this matter, I intend to talk to the Opposition leaders.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Taoiseach for what he said but the Minister, Deputy Hogan, has said he will publish the material in a week.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Ba mhaith liom ceist a chur faoi reachtaíocht a fógraíodh. I wish to raise this matter under promised legislation, particularly that which was promised by the Taoiseach to ensure that banks would pass on the ECB rate reduction to customers. Earlier today, I heard the Taoiseach's attitude to this. I have to say that it causes me concern because it was so watery, given what he has said previously. According to reports, a leading mortgage holder, National Irish Bank, is defying the Government by pressing ahead with a 1% increase in its variable home loan rate, despite last week's interest rate reduction by the ECB. The NIB is challenging the authority and the Financial Regulator. It will cause untold hardship to already hard pressed home owners. The Taoiseach promised to introduce this legislation. When will it be brought before the Dáil?
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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On the very same issue, I understand National Irish Bank is owned by Danske Bank and that it does not have to adhere to ECB guidelines because it is Danish owned and Denmark is not in the eurozone. However, as Deputy Adams quite rightly stated, it intends to increase its variable mortgage interest rate by 0.95% this Friday. If legislation comes before the House in this regard, what can we do to ensure interest rate increases of such institutions, which work within our marketplace, will not have a huge impact on families across the State? What can we do with institutions that are foreign owned and outside the remit of the ECB?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I answered the questions of Deputies Ó Ríordáin and Adams in response to Deputy Martin. The Financial Regulator is completely independent and his job is to regulate and oversee a level playing pitch in respect of the banks. It is unfair and just not right that banks that set their prices in respect of tracker mortgages should attempt to make up losses by increasing interest rates on variable mortgages. Irrespective of whether a bank is State owned, there should be a level playing pitch.
Deputy Adams should note I actually said I would not introduce legislation until the regulator states to the Government he has a problem-----
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Deputies should bear with me.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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He is not elected by those who have mortgages.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Of course he is not, but he is completely independent of me. I cannot-----
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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He must regulate the financial sector and is not concerned about the people.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Taoiseach should be allowed to answer the question.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Before the Deputy entered the House, there was another regulator who said the banks were adequately capitalised, and the Government went along with that.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach has much to say about him but-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Dooley should desist.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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He should be given the power.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Let me be clear. The point is that if the regulator, Mr. Elderfield, tells the Government he has a problem in implementing this-----
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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It is not a problem for the regulator.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Dooley should please restrain himself.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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It is not his problem; it is the mortgage bearers' problem.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputies should listen to the answer, even if they do not like it.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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If the regulator, Mr. Elderfield, points out where his powers should be enhanced in order to have interest rate reductions passed on to mortgage customers, be they in State or non-State banks, the Government will be very happy to engage with him in that regard. I want to hear from him as to what powers he is seeking.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Therefore, the Taoiseach is not going to bring in the legislation.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Dooley.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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In the run-in to the last election, the Taoiseach's party and the Labour Party made much of their desire to abolish upward-only rent reviews of commercial leases. There was a very strong position taken by both parties and a view obtained that legislation would be introduced very quickly in the House. When does the Taoiseach intend to have this matter addressed in the House?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That is on the A list and the Minister for Justice and Equality will report to the Cabinet thereon shortly.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Now that the presidential election and Dublin West by-election are over, can the Taoiseach be more candid with us about the timescale for the local government (charges) Bill, which provides for the introduction of a new household tax that will affect an already over-burdened tax-paying public? Can he tell me the proposed schedule? The budget statement will be made four weeks from today. Will and must all Stages of the local government (charges) Bill be completed before that statement?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The local government (charges) Bill is expected this session. It is not necessary that all Stages be passed by the time of the budget. The timeline for the process leading up to the budget has been set out for Members like never before. I look forward to seeing Deputy Joe Higgins on Friday at the inauguration of President-elect Higgins, his namesake.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That association might mean an invitation to the Phoenix Park for the Deputy; one never knows. However, the President-elect will not be able to comment on politics in the way he normally would with the Deputy in respect of their differences of opinion on a range of issues.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Calleary.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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On the timeline-----
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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I know; I am not having a debate.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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The Taoiseach referred to a general timeline in regard to the budget. Can I ask him for the timeline for the Bill to which I referred?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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He told the Deputy.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Yes, but he was not-----
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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When will it be introduced and when will it be completed? On presidential inaugurations, I have spent my life trying to pull down useless institutions, not attend celebrations of them.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is that on the Order of Business?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is a bit like the biblical quotation to the effect that one knows not the time nor the hour. The Deputy quoted the Bible to me some time ago. There are quite a number of budgetary measures that have to be given effect after the budget, as applies every year. I cannot give the Deputy the exact date. The legislation is expected this session and there will not be any delay when we get around to considering it.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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We were due to debate the extension of the Smithwick tribunal this evening. This business was withdrawn at very short notice yesterday evening. Why and when will it come before the House?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I understand the Department is not ready to take it today. I hope it can be taken next week or the week thereafter.
Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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The programme for Government contains a commitment to introduce a climate change Bill, which would be welcome in offsetting the negative impact of climate change and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Last week, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government appeared to do a solo run-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should not mind that. He should refer to the legislation.
Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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-----by saying we would not have a climate change Bill, as promised. Will the Taoiseach confirm today that he was not doing a solo run, that the Government will introduce the legislation and that it will be introduced in the first quarter of 2012? I am sure the Labour Party wants this also. It was a solid commitment in the programme for Government.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Yes, and I expect that is an issue that will be dealt with pretty comprehensively. The Minister is being realistic in this instance about policy and the priority accorded to legislation. He has already made the point that we intend to meet the Kyoto targets signed up to. There are a number of policy issues and it is only right and proper that, in respect of these, there should be serious consultation with the sectors concerned. The Minister is prioritising this over the drafting of legislation which might not be appropriate.
Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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It is contained in the programme for Government.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Yes, it is in the programme for Government but the Minister's focus is now on dealing with policy priorities involving consultation. The question of the Bill referred to in the programme for Government will be dealt with when the consultation process has concluded.
Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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Will that be in the first quarter of 2012?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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To be honest with the Deputy, it probably will not be in the first quarter.
Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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In Opposition, the Taoiseach's party and the Labour Party opposed the ban on the Ward Union stag hunt. Will the Government be introducing legislation to reverse the ban? If so, when?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is this promised legislation?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This is not in the programme for Government, nor is it on the legislative list.
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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Will the Taoiseach clarify his position on bringing forward legislation on ECB interest rates? It is not clear. Is he saying legislation will not be introduced unless the Financial Regulator tells the Government he wants legislation? Will the Government not respond to the outrage over the failure to pass on the interest rate reduction and will it bring forward legislation to ensure it is passed on?
Some time ago, I asked about the mental capacity Bill. We have Victorian laws to deal with vulnerable children and other persons-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is grand. Can the Deputy just ask about the legislation?
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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When will the mental capacity Bill be brought forward?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is listed for early next year. With regard to interest rates, let me say again to the Deputy that the regulator is completely independent. If he tells the Government he needs extra powers in certain areas, it will deal with that. I have already said I want to see the interest rate decreases passed on. The Minister for Finance has been very vehement about that. Tomorrow, both banks will be attending meetings to deal with this matter and a number of others in respect of interest rate reductions-----
Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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What if he does not?
5:00 pm
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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He does not recommend it.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is not for me to produce overall legislation for a regulator when what I want is for the Regulator to tell me if he needs powers and where he sees those enhanced powers would need to be.
Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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The Taoiseach is the person who has been elected, not him.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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If the regulator wants extra powers, he has to come and say this is where he needs to be given extra powers in order to deal with this problem.
Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach needs to summons him.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As Deputy Higgins is aware, the Regulator is independent of the Dáil.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Mattie McGrath.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I had indicated that I wanted to speak before Deputy Niall Collins raised the matter of the Ward Union. I know the Minister of State, Deputy McEntee is not present, but I did not hear the Taoiseach's answer on that.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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He said there was no promised legislation on this.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Yes, but he made all kinds of promises on it before the general election last year.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I lost my party whip over it. I like to be a sport as much as anybody. Promises were made and now the Minister is saying one thing and the Taoiseach is saying another.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is out of order.
Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy is rising the Taoiseach.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I am trying to raise the need for a debate on the issue.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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There will be a witch hunt after a stag hunt.
Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy McGrath is rising the Taoiseach.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I did not hear the Taoiseach's answer.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I did not object to the Deputy's scrap metal Bill coming through here last week.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Go raibh maith agat.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The matter the Deputy raised is not in the programme for Government.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Ward Union is on the scrap metal heap as well.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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What about all the Fine Gael cars with Rise! stickers displayed on their rear windows in the cark park? Will they be removed now?
Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Mattie McGrath is rising the Taoiseach.
Ann Phelan
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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On promised legislation, in view of the need for comprehensive and modern forestry policy, when is it expected that the forestry Bill will be brought before the House, have the heads of it been agreed or to what extent has the legislation being progressed? Similarly, will the Taoiseach indicate the level of progress on the housing Bill, which is No. 74 on the list?
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Do not worry Fergus, it will not be that one.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I hear a babble of voices on the other side of the House in total confusion.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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That is the Deputy's reaction.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Deputy Durkan is winding us up.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Settle down Deputies. You had a few days off but you should not go mad now.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Durkan causes confusion.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Durkan always asks valid questions. The heads of the housing Bill have not gone to Government yet. In respect of the forestry Bill, the heads of it were approved in 2009 and I expect that it will be published towards the end of first session in the spring.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The heads of it were approved in 2009.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Crowe.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Do the Deputies opposite remember 2009?
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy has made all the promises.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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There is delayed action on the opposite side.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It is about the only piece of delayed action over there.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I remind Members in case they have forgotten that they are in Parliament and not out on the street.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Crowe.
Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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In view of the establishment by the Red Cross of a hardship fund for recent flood victims, are there any proposals for the Government to introduce similar supports for those families? Is there a need for further legislation to be introduced to provide for those victims who have been unable to get insurance cover-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That matter is not in order.
Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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It arises under legislation. Those victims are unable to get insurance cover because their homes have been flooded.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I suggest the Deputy seeks to raise that matter on the Topical Issue Debate.
Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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I did that but, unfortunately, I was not successful. I may be successful tomorrow.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should be patient. This matter is not in order on the Order of Business.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I was going to say that the Deputies opposite could not see the wood for the trees with the forestry Bill from 2009 with the banks and so on.
Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Does the hunt go through it?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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They could not see the wood for the banks.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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The woods are lonely, dark and deep.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Crowe raised a valid issue. The Government this morning approved a memo to deal with this in much the same way as it was dealt with previously through a combination of provision between the Departments of Social Protection and the Environment, Community and Local Government. I know that the Red Cross is providing some assistance at present with a fund of €10 million allocated for this. I hope this will go some way towards relieving a situation which is quite desperate for some people who have lost their homes. When a person's house has been flooded and it is ruined forever it is a very trying period for people. They cannot stop the flood waters coming through and it destroys the house. We approved a memo this morning on a single issue in this respect with a €10 million fund.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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The Taoiseach was rightly sympathetic to the plight of the people of Priory Hall in Dublin north east a few weeks ago in this House. He might have noted the city manager is now saying that it will be necessary to seek support to rehouse the families concerned or rebuild the complex from the Minister with responsibility for housing. Will the Taoiseach ensure that support for the city council will be forthcoming?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is not in order.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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The Taoiseach wants to reply on this.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, it is not a matter for the Order of Business. I am sorry but I have to rule on that. I will try and co-operate with the Deputy in another way but not on the Order of Business.
Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Does the Taoiseach want to answer on that?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, if I open this up, everybody will quite rightly quote precedent. If it is not in order, it is not in order. I call Deputy Adams.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I want to return to the issue about the Taoiseach promising to bring in legislation to ensure that the banks pass on the ECB rate reduction to customers. That promise was made and it was very clear. It was the right commitment to make.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, we have dealt with that issue.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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It now looks like the Taoiseach will not bring in this legislation.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We have dealt with that issue.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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What I said was that if the Regulator said he did not have sufficient powers, he might well come to Government.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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He has said that.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That is what I said. I said if he does that, the Government will engage with him. Is that clear. I hope that is clear to the Deputy.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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That is not clear. That is not the Taoiseach's commitment.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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May I ask the Taoiseach-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Martin.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I give this commitment. If the regulator comes into Government and approaches the Minister for Finance and says "I need enhanced powers to deal with the question of passing on reduced interest rates to distressed mortgage holders, the Government will engage with the regulator in this matter". I hope that is clear, for the fifth time today.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach was very clear in what he said, that the banks did not behave in this way.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are not debating it any further. I call Deputy Martin. Has he a relevant matter on promised legislation?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Adams is being very mischievous. What I said was let us see how the regulator gets on, if he comes back to Government and looks for extra authority or enhanced powers, we will engage with him. That is what I said and that is what I stand by. The Deputy should not put words in my mouth like he does in the case of many other people.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach is putting the words in his own mouth.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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We dealt with this issue during Leaders' Questions-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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If we dealt with it why are we dealing with it again?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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-----and the Taoiseach said he would not introduce legislation although earlier he said he would consider bringing in legislation, irrespective of what the regulator said. That is the problem. I am hearing the Taoiseach loud and clear now and I accept what he is saying.
When the Bill establishing the Department of the Minister, Deputy Howlin, was before the Oireachtas we were told that the Minister for Finance would announce the overall Estimate envelope in the Dáil and that there would be a debate on it. In terms of what happened subsequently, last Friday we had a public announcement on this-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is out of order. This is not relevant to the Order of Business.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is critical to the way the Dáil is treated.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I do not care. It is not relevant to the Order of Business.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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In terms of the commitment in the programme for Government-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy can raise it under Leaders' Questions.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have raised it on Leaders' Questions. This is the Order of Business.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No. The Deputy cannot raise it on the Order of Business.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The manner in which the budget-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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With the greatest respect, the Deputy cannot just stand up and raise it because it comes into his head.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Martin is the Leader of the Opposition.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is the Order of Business. The matter is not promised legislation.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is not something-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I have already ruled Deputy Broughan out of order on the same issue.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I would like you to have some respect - this did not just come into my head. This is something the Taoiseach said on the floor of this House.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am saying the Deputy cannot raise it now.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It relates to the programme for Government in terms of the budget and how the budget will be dealt with here.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We do not deal with the programme for Government.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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We have had announcements from the Taoiseach on the Order of Business about the budget and how it will be presented. All I am asking is that in future on this issue and on the other instalments in regard to the budget and debate, announcements will be made in this House on fundamental issues that go to the core of what this House is about.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should speak to his Whip about having a debate on this issue. I call Deputy Halligan.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Will the Taoiseach give that commitment because he made a big noise about it when he was in Opposition on this side of the House?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Thank you, Deputy. I call Deputy Halligan.
John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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I ask the Taoiseach to clear the air on this issue for the thousands of people-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should tell us first what he is raising.
John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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-----who are outraged by the interest rate cut not being passed on. What if the Regulator does not-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is out of order.
John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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This is very important, a Cheann Comhairle.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No. The Deputy is out of order.
John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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If the Regulator does not come back to the Government-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We have dealt with this issue.
John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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-----will the Taoiseach then introduce legislation? Also, is the Taoiseach telling me the Minister for Finance has not been in regular contact with the Regulator in the past number of months?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is out of order. Please resume your seat.
John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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If the Regulator does not come back, will the Taoiseach then introduce the legislation?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The matter has been dealt with.
John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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That is a simple question. If the Regulator does not come back-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please, Deputy. We have dealt with that issue.
John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)
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-----will the Taoiseach then introduce the legislation?
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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The Taoiseach wants to answer that.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have to know what to introduce - if he says he is looking for powers.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Troy.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Will the Taoiseach indicate if it is the intention of his Government to bring forward the partial loan guarantee scheme for small businesses as promised in the programme for Government? Many small businesses are facing turbulent times and nine months later there is no sign of that being brought before this House. I ask when it will be given priority and when it will be brought before this House for debate.
Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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You had nine years and you did not do it.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The gestation period is not actually-----
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I have only been here nine months. The Taoiseach has been here longer than I have been alive.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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If he keeps going this way he will not be here much longer.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Through the Chair, please.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy will be aware that, because of the troika arrangements, we are required to introduced 30 items of legislation this session. I expect that one of these Bills will provide for the partial loan guarantee scheme. I hope it will be introduced before Christmas because it is an important issue and a considerable number of small businesses are concerned about it. I am sure every Deputy appreciates that. In respect of what Deputy Martin said earlier, he should feel free to raise this matter with the Whips.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Let us have a debate on the fiscal parameters announced on Friday.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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For God's sake, stop.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We will do the same with the capital programme.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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We know all about that.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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On top of that, even in these times of economic constraint-----
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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He means nothing he says.
Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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He could contact the regulator to have him reduce the rate.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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May I say this to Deputy Martin and all the other leaders opposite?
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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He said this in June.
Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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He would be better off speaking to the regulator.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is up to him not to wait.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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You did not even know the regulator existed.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputies, please.
Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Durkan, sit back. Rest yourself.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will make available to them the costing facility of the Department of Finance. I would like to see Deputies from other parties come in with their alternatives as we prepare for the budget.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is totally out of order.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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We will follow the Taoiseach's lead on that.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Order should apply to everybody in this House when I ask for order.
Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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What the Taoiseach did to the Ceann Comhairle was outrageous.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I do not want any smart remarks from Deputy Dooley either.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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It applies to Deputy Dooley as well.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is a Parliament. It is not a protest out on the streets.