Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed to take No. a10, Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013 - Financial Resolution; No. 16, Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill 2013 - Second Stage (Resumed); and No. 2, Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill 2012 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. a10 shall be decided without debate. Private Members' business shall be No. 99, motion re Good Friday Agreement (resumed) to conclude at 9 p.m. tonight, if not previously concluded.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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There is one proposal to be put to the House today. Is the proposal for dealing with No. a10, Financial Resolution re the Non-Use of Motor Vehicles Bill 2013, without debate, agreed to? Agreed.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach mentioned the unseasonable weather in the context of the fodder crisis. Without question, we are in unprecedented times in terms of weather patterns and severe weather events. As I passed a few people on the way into work this morning, the man selling newspapers to me said, "This is some month of May". The heads of the climate action and low carbon development Bill were published two months ago and the Bill has not yet been published. There is concern about the lack of targets in that Bill and what is perceived by those who have followed this issue for some time as a lack of commitment on behalf of the Government to the climate change agenda and to organising proper societal awareness of the issues that are emerging. As the Taoiseach will be aware, scientists across the globe are alarmed because the most recent tests have shown the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is the highest ever in the world in 3 million years. People tend to push all of that to one side and dismiss it. One of the distinguishing features of this Government has been its lack of any real engagement with the issue and this is reflected in a poor climate change Bill in terms of the heads and in the lack of urgent action on that issue. When can we expect the climate action and low carbon development Bill to be published?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The heads of Bill were referred to the committee in February of this year and the committee is doing its work on that. I am reminded-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to the full Bill.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

With the committee.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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-----that Deputy Martin's party, together with the Greens, failed to produce any climate change Bill.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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We did. The Government has changed it and diluted it.

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

There is an ambitious set of objectives here which will be challenging for us to meet.

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

The Government diluted it.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Martin was away out the door.

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

They diluted it.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The committee will report on its analysis of the heads which were sent to it in February and it will come back to Government. The Bill will be published some time after that.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach has no interest in it. The Minister, Deputy Hogan, has no interest in it. He is afraid to upset the electoral base.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Could we have some order, please?

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I note reports of progress in negotiations between the unions and the Government under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. Some media reports indicate the Government has dropped some of the more anti-family and anti-women aspects that led to the defeat of the proposed Croke Park II deal. Does the Government intend to introduce legislation to cut the pay of public sector workers or will it now take this opportunity to assist the talks by taking that threat off the table?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will not go into the details of this. The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform has pointed out clearly that the savings of €300 million are required this year and contingency legislation is being prepared in that regard. The chief executive of the LRC will issue a full report to the Minister when the ongoing negotiations are concluded. It would be hoped that everybody can join in these discussions and negotiations and that we can have a negotiated agreement in respect of reaching our targets, getting our country moving and sorting out the problems we have. This is challenging for everybody and I hope the discussions under way will result in a successful conclusion to the Croke Park II negotiations.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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As I understand-----

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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I know the Deputy wishes us well.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I do wish the Government well, but is the legislation going ahead?

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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There will be no legislation until we see.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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I have a question about the health information Bill regarding suicide prevention and the proposals for preventative methods. Donal Walsh, who died aged 16, will be laid to his eternal rest in his home town of Tralee today.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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A Leas-Cheann Comhairle-----

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is this on legislation?

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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He was an inspiration to everybody.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Fleming, please------

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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His brave and positive attitude regarding his own fatal medical condition and his total commitment-----

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is this on legislation?

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Yes.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It will become clear shortly.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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It is the health information Bill, which is very relevant.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I will ask the Taoiseach on that.

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

It will be early next year, if he wants that.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Young Donal Walsh had a total commitment and devotion to saving lives-----

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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We cannot have a debate on that issue.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----of potential suicidal cases. His stressing of the value of life by comparing his own situation when his own life was facing termination-----

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I ask the Taoiseach to reply.

Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It was a short life and his impact on the country will last for many years to come for what he has set out in his own particular way.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach has said early next year. I call Deputy O'Mahony.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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You will need to apply the Castleblakeney rules here, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle. The question the Deputy raised is a legitimate one. It will be early next year before the health information Bill will be published.

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The fines (amendment) Bill is due to come before the House soon. Recent figures indicate a 10% increase in people going to jail for non-payment of fines. Everybody would agree that jail should be for people who commit crime and not for those who do not pay fines. The Bill would alleviate the problem. I know it is due for publication in this term, but when will it come before the House?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That Bill will be published this session.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is the Government still on target to introduce the consumer and competition Bill in this session? Does the Taoiseach have an idea of the precise date?

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

It is down for this session and officials are working very hard on the draft at the moment.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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In a previous reply to me I believe the Taoiseach guaranteed it would be produced in this session.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Yes.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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It will be.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I still stand by that.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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I also ask about the mediation Bill.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am advised that is later this year.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I wish to ask about two Bills. On the Children First Bill, the Government ignored the Supreme Court's decision on the scandalous way in which it misappropriated the money voted by the House last year. The Supreme Court stated that the Government failed to have a discussion on it and I ask when it would do so.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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What legislation, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle?

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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The legislation is the Children First Bill.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I did not realise the Minister, Deputy Howlin, had become the new Ceann Comhairle.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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He has - or the new Whip. The Minister said earlier that I was talking nonsense - how dare he.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy should stay within-----

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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He should go back and talk to the farmers in Wexford and they will tell him what nonsense is.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Silly.

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

It is not silly.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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It is silly saying we are doing nothing.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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The Government is doing nothing.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy should ask the question.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I have asked the question, but the Minister is interrupting. I asked about the Children First Bill.

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

The Minister is heckling.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I also ask about the Central Bank (consolidation) Bill given that there are receivers up and down the country. I met approximately 50 people protesting outside a receiver's premises on St. Stephen's Green-----

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Deputy is going to tell another story now.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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-----about the behaviour of banks and receivers which are carrying on outside the law in many cases.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We are not having a debate.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A Leas-Cheann Comhairle, stories-----

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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They are destroying good businesses.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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We cannot have a debate on it.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I do not want a debate. I want to know when the Bill will come in.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Central Bank (consolidation) Bill cannot come in until the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill, which is on Report Stage, is dealt with. The Children First Bill is down for this session. However, significant legal and operational matters are under discussion in the Department about it. It may not make it through for publication in this session. If not, it will be early next session.

Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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When is the human tissue Bill expected to be published? This is to meet the key recommendation of the Madden report that no hospital post mortems should be carried out and no tissue obtained after post mortems without consent. It will also address other matters relating to human tissue, including consent arrangements for transplantation and research purposes.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There is no date for publication of the Bill, but there is a great deal of work and discussion going on about the matters to which it refers.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I ask about two Bills. The legislation on the child and family support agency was promised last year and we are still awaiting it. The Valuation (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill should give struggling businesses a window of opportunity to have their exorbitant rates reviewed downwards. When can we expect those two Bills?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Valuation (Amendment)(No. 2) Bill is awaiting Committee Stage in the Seanad and the child and family support agency Bill is for publication in this session.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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In the context of the forestry Bill, yesterday I asked the Taoiseach when he would report to the Dáil on a decision on the future of Coillte. He seemed to indicate that from his point of view it was full steam ahead with the privatisation of our forestry with all the baleful consequences seen in other jurisdictions where that happened. That surprised many Deputies because senior Labour Party Ministers had recently indicated that this reactionary move would be abolished. We had a leak from the Department, apparently from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, that this was the case. Given that the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform is sitting beside the Taoiseach, perhaps they could clear their lines.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Very clear.

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

The Minister is too busy heckling.

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

The appropriate committee is still holding hearings and having a debate on the issue. What is the Government's thinking this morning?

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

They are making it up as they go along.

Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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Will it abandon this reactionary attempt to privatise a crucial public asset?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I can see the wood for the trees. There is no change since yesterday. The evaluation required on this and on a number of other potential sales of State assets is nearing completion. When the Government has that information and those evaluations, it will make its decision.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister, Deputy Howlin, told The Sunday Times a few weeks ago that he was not proceeding with it.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Deputies will be informed clearly of what that decision will be.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Martin will be the first to know.

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

The Minister told The Sunday Times - or his spokespeople did - last Sunday week.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I call Deputy Lawlor. I ask him to be brief as many Deputies want to ask questions.

Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Could I-----

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

The Minister is grinning, knowingly.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Martin will be the first to know.

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

I have no doubt. Will the Minister tell the Taoiseach as well?

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

Deputy Stagg announced the policy also.

Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I hope that is the only time a Cork man will interrupt a Kildare man this season. EU directive 2010/32/EU should have been transposed by last Saturday. When will that legislation be brought before the Dáil? Without it being transposed, there are potential liabilities on the State.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That is secondary legislation. I will need to check its status and I will advise the Deputy.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have two questions, one seeking a debate and the other about legislation. We all know the fair deal scheme is under great pressure. We were promised a review. It has now been suspended in some parts of the country and is clearly in crisis given that people cannot have their applications processed in a timely fashion. The review is still ongoing. When will the health (amendment) Bill be published so that we can have a debate on the issue?

With regard to private health insurance, Colm McCarthy recently highlighted a report which shows private health insurance is in crisis and is collapsing around us. The Minister is bringing forward proposals on universal health insurance but the basic fabric of this proposal is falling asunder as we speak. Families are in genuine crisis trying to pay for private health insurance. This is in the context of the health (amendment) Bill. On the broader issue of health reform itself, a consultation process is taking place about hospital groupings and the small hospital framework. It would be timely for the Houses of the Oireachtas to have an opportunity to discuss this during the consultation process so we can feed into it. Many now in government opposed this policy when they were in opposition and we would like to hear their views on why they have done this volte-faceso we can clarify the Government's thinking on this.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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At least we have done something about it.

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

You have changed your mind.

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

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children is fully entitled to have full and appropriate discussions-----

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Kelleher was asking about the House.

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

-----during the consultation period about the groupings. It can be held here and we can try to make arrangements for time if it is feasible.

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

The committee is very busy, as the Taoiseach knows.

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

The more debate we have about it the more understanding there will be of just how effective it can be-----

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

I would not count on that.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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-----and the significant change it will bring about in the delivery of proper services for people throughout the country. The health (amendment) Bill is due for publication during this session.

Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
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When does the Taoiseach expect the Garda Síochána (compensation for malicious injuries) Bill to be published? In the course of its publication, will the Taoiseach agree to lift the recruitment ban? I am led to believe a large number of gardaí will retire this year and there is a general view among rural people that we will not have an adequate police service to patrol rural areas.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy can table a Topical Issue on this.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Garda Síochána (compensation for malicious injuries) Bill is due later this year. In the context of budgetary analysis, the Government will ensure an adequate number of gardaí to protect our people throughout the country.

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

With regard to the education (admission to school) Bill, is the Taoiseach aware that next September between 30 and 35 young children with Down's syndrome will start primary school? Following yesterday's all-party meeting attended by many of the Taoiseach's party colleagues, will he use his clout in the coming days to ensure these young children get resource hours in September?

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is this promised business?

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

Yes. I am referring to the education (admission to school) Bill. Following massive support from the Taoiseach's backbenchers, will he use his clout and pressure the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Ruairí Quinn, to act on this issue? Some of the other Deputies had 20-minute slots and I am sticking to the agenda.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I do not think they got 20 minutes.

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

They were near enough to it.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It felt like 20 minutes but it was not 20 minutes.

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

The heads of the education (admission to school) Bill are being worked on and it is due later this year. The Minister for Education and Skills received a copy of a report from the National Council for Special Education and this report needs to be discussed by parents, teachers and all involved in this matter. After the Minister received the report the Government heard from the Minister about it.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I welcome the very positive news for Kerry General Hospital which was announced yesterday.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is not on the Order of Business.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is very important that we acknowledge the matter because it was very good news for Kerry General Hospital with regard to the retention of services.

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

What has changed?

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I want to acknowledge-----

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

It is still under Cork.

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

There has been no change. It is still in Tralee.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On legislation, please.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is very noticeable that Bertie Ahern's former henchmen in the front row seem to have forgotten the legacy they have left. Perhaps they should not be so jovial in the Chamber-----

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

We just admire a bit of spin every now and again.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----because 425,000 people, many of whom are watching this morning, are suffering as a result of their actions.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On legislation.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

They should not be so jovial as they sit there.

With regard to the public health (alcohol) Bill, what is the up-to-date position? What is the expected timeframe?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ask Deputy Shortall.

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

We do not have a date for publication of the public health (alcohol) Bill. There is a lot of work going on.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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There is a lot of friction going on.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for his positive comments regarding the publication yesterday by the Minister of the hospital groupings, with particular reference to Kerry.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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For the umpteenth time I wish to raise the issue of the fodder crisis.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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It is not promised legislation.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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The Taoiseach, the Cabinet and the Department are not giving this the serious consideration-----

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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On legislation.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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-----they should be giving it. It is a crisis situation and I want the Taoiseach to intervene properly.

I also wish to raise the matter of statistics provided by the Irish Prison Service in recent days which show the number of people being jailed for the non-payment of television licences has increased from 183-----

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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What legislation is this?

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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I am coming to it. The number has increased to 272. Over the past five years there has been a five-fold increase in the number of people being jailed for this offence, quite simply because they do not have the money.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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I call the Taoiseach.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Under the telecommunications legislation, people will now be asked to pay for a licence even if they do not have a television. This is wrong and unfair when criminals can roam the country-----

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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We are not debating it.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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-----and are availing of the revolving door syndrome. The Department sees fit to jail people who do not pay their television licence.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I can put the Deputy in the picture regarding people going to jail for non-payment of television licences. I have already answered a question about the fines (amendment) Bill, which is due for publication this session. The Deputy can have full transmission when it comes to the Dáil.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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What about the fodder crisis? Surely the Taoiseach can give a proper answer.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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Two reports recently completed on behalf of Dublin City Council and the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland found the majority of inner-city flats surveyed did not meet basic standards and did not even have planning permission.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Is this the Order of Business?

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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In one case, nine flats in one building had the most terrible sanitation and no proper toilet facilities. Will the Taoiseach outline when the Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2012 will return to the House? Is any legislation planned to deal with this appalling vista whereby for monetary gain landlords are abusing the system no end?

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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A parliamentary question would deal with this matter.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Bill is awaiting Committee Stage. A housing Bill is before the House. I am quite sure if the Deputy speaks appropriately to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle he may allow him to raise the matter as a Topical Issue, and no doubt the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, will give him a full and flúirseach response.

Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour)
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This morning there has been much discussion about the possible sale of State assets and reviews of State assets. Will the Taoiseach ask someone in the Department to go through all of the land banks in State ownership to see which can be handed over to the IFA to be harvested this week to help alleviate the crisis? I am sure the Opposition, after having spent so much money on it, would be delighted to see a place such as Thornton Hall finally being of some benefit to the State.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the Office of Public Works is carrying out a full audit of all land banks and properties owned by the State.

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach would want to hurry up, because the grass only grows until October. There is only a small window.

Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach may be aware there is a considerable backlog in the Department of Justice and Equality, with Bills of the highest importance dragging on and on during the Government's tenure. When will the assisted decision-making (capacity) Bill and the Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011 progress? We have an outrageous situation whereby we are losing huge amounts of taxpayers' money and sending people needlessly to jail, and we must implement an amendment to the Fines Act. When will these three issues be dealt with?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The assisted decision-making (capacity) Bill will be this session. The Legal Services Regulation Bill 2011 is being worked on with regard to Committee Stage. I have answered several questions about the fines (amendment) Bill.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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In view of the revelations in a recent television programme on organised crime, would it be possible to focus on key proposed Bills in order to combat the growth in activity by criminal gangs over the past ten years? I am referring to the bail Bill, the Courts Bill and the proceeds of crime Bill. Particular emphasis might be placed on introducing a cocktail of those Bills before the House in early course. Some of the Bills have been inherited from our good friends on the Opposition benches, and were engaged in a long gestation period while they were in government. It might be possible to focus on them now with a view to dealing seriously with organised criminal activities.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Courts Bill is on Committee Stage in the Seanad and, later this year, the consolidated courts Bill will come before the House. As regards the proceeds of crime Bill, discussions are still ongoing with the Criminal Assets Bureau. I do not have a date for publication of the bail Bill, but it will be later this year or early next year.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Did Deputy Durkan get all that?

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Deputy O'Dea would be familiar with that. There is no doubt about that.