Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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It is proposed to take No. 14a, motion re referral to joint committee of the fourth programme of law reform; No. 15, motion re proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Houses of the Oireachtas (Inquiries, Privileges and Procedures) Act 2013 (Commencement) Order 2013; No. 22, Industrial Development (Science Foundation Ireland) (Amendment) Bill 2012 [Seanad] - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; and No. 3, Gas Regulation Bill 2013 - Second Stage (resumed).

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that Nos. 14a and 15 shall be decided without debate; for the purposes of Standing Order 117A, the first Friday of the month for October shall be Friday, 11 October 2013 and that the time and date by which notice of a Bill in connection with that sitting shall be received by the Clerk shall be 11 a.m. on Friday, 27 September 2013 and related Standing Orders shall apply accordingly; Private Members' business shall be No. 114, motion re mortgage arrears (resumed) which shall be taken immediately after the Order of Business and brought to a conclusion after 90 minutes.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are two proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 14a and 15, agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for the sitting and business of the Dáil on Friday, 11 October 2013, agreed to? Agreed.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The programme for Government contained specific promises on the care of the elderly. It was stated that investment in the supply of more and better care for older people in the community and in residential settings would be a priority for this Government and also that the Government would provide additional funding each year for the care of older people with this funding to provide more residential places, more home care packages and the delivery of more home help and other professional community care services. The opposite has been the case with regard to the implementation of both the legislative commitments in the programme for Government and the policy commitments. There is currently a waiting list of 1,500 for the Fair Deal scheme. So far as I can see, all of the promises and commitments in the programme for Government have been reversed and have not been implemented. I was stunned at the Tánaiste's response to Deputy Seamus Healy when he stated there was no targeting of medical cards because every constituency office is inundated-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please put your question, Deputy Martin.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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-----with people bringing in letters they have received. For example, 69 year olds and people who have cards-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is not in order on the Order of Business.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The elderly are feeling it. When people watching on television hear the Tánaiste saying that medical cards are not being targeted, they wonder are people in this House in the real world because we are all getting the representations. When will the commitments in the programme for Government relating to the elderly be implemented? When can we expect the implementation of these additional hours for home helps and the extra funding for community and residential settings which were promised and committed to?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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This is an area about which Deputy Martin is knowledgeable because this was the area related to the brief which he did not read.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Tánaiste needs to read a few briefs.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The HSE has committed in the national service plan to maintain the home help and home care package. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has brought forward a range of initiatives in this area. I do not think there is any specific area of legislation promised. The programme for Government is being implemented and will be implemented and completed in the lifetime of the Government.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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I have two questions, the first of which is about the programme for Government commitment to legislate for collective bargaining. This is the centenary year of the 1913 Lock-out yet, 100 years on, this State is only one of three EU member states where workers do not have enshrined in law the right to negotiate collective agreements. When this matter was raised with the Tánaiste in January by my colleague, Deputy Gerry Adams, he said that there would be progress on this legislation in the course of this year. However, the promised industrial relations (amendment) (No. 2) Bill, is languishing on the C list of the legislative programme, with no indicative date for publication. Is it the case that the Tánaiste has changed his mind? Will legislation on collective bargaining be brought forward and, crucially, when will we see it?

On a second matter, the Taoiseach was asked yesterday about the proposed banking inquiry and he kicked to touch. The Oireachtas must sanction any final arrangements but it would be helpful to us if the Tánaiste could set out how the Government is minded in this regard. Is a new committee proposed? When will concrete terms of reference be announced?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government has not changed its mind with regard to collective bargaining legislation. The programme for Government commitment on collective bargaining legislation will be delivered on. That is the reason the Bill is listed in the legislative programme-----

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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It is listed in the C list.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I understand the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, will bring forward proposals for that Bill before the end of the year. The Deputy can be assured that the commitment given in the programme for Government will be delivered on.

When the Order of Business is concluded in a few minutes, the House will be asked to agree a motion to approve the commencement of the legislation for the banking inquiry as introduced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, to allow for a banking inquiry to take place. That is part of the legislative process. The form of the inquiry and its terms of reference, is a matter for the House. I understand that work is under way on drafting terms of reference but it is a matter for the House. We should approach this issue on an all-party basis because the public wants to see a banking inquiry and to have answers to questions.

There is a duty on this House and the Parliament to respond to that and we should do so collectively and in a non-partisan manner. This House has a good track record of doing inquiries and addressing difficult issues, as we saw earlier this year. We should approach this issue in the same spirit.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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As Deputies can see from the clock there are 12 minutes remaining and ten people are indicating a desire to contribute. I ask Deputies to respect each other and allow everybody get in a question.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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I refer to secondary legislation. As we know, the small and medium size industries in the country employ one in every two people in the economy. Last December, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, announced a ten-point plan specifically targeted at the sector. One of the initiatives was the employment incentive scheme to get cash into businesses that create jobs but it requires EU Commission approval. The Commission has been very quick to tell us where we should make cuts, but it seems to have been very slow in approving an initiative to create jobs. When will we see the commencement order for section 22 of the Finance Act 2013, which will get capital into businesses that create jobs? What is the EU playing at with the delays in the approval of this particular proposal?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputies should stop making speeches and just ask about promised legislation.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The question concerned secondary legislation and I do not have a note on the issue. I will ask the Minister for Finance to respond to the Deputy.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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It is nearly two years since the publication of the report on pyrite-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is correct.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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-----and the Minister, Deputy Hogan, indicated at the time that he would deal with it fairly quickly. The pyrite resolution board has been set up and a levy was to be imposed on sections of the industry.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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What is the question?

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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We were told legislation was required.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will you respect other Deputies?

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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I am asking about legislation.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are other Deputies here.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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I am asking about required legislation. When will it be brought forward?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Which legislation?

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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Is there a problem in the process of getting the levy from the industry? The word outside is that banks are causing problems.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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What is the legislation?

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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It relates to pyrite.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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What is the name of the legislation?

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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It regards pyrite resolution.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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There is a Bill listed.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is there a Bill?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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There is pyrite levy Bill due for publication this session. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government is bringing a submission to the Government on the issue next week.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Catherine Murphy is next.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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I was going to speak on the same issue.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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With regard to the Road Traffic (No. 2) Act 2011, will there be an extension of time for people who are endeavouring to tax vehicles which have been off the road? What about vintage clubs and people who own vintage vehicles, which are really part of our heritage? They require understanding of this issue. Will the Central Bank (consolidation) Bill bring real teeth to deal with banks rather than having us discussing inquiries and codes of practice etc?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is there promised legislation?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Road Traffic (No. 2) Act 2011 is already part of law.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Nobody can dispute the fact that various tribunals, although costly, exposed a web of corruption in planning taking in developers, bankers, council officials etc. We have had legislation on the clár for some time in the form of a planning Bill that should implement the recommendations of the Mahon tribunal report. When will it come before the Dáil?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I do not have a date for the publication of the Bill.

Brian Walsh (Galway West, Independent)
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There is a commitment in the programme for Government that we - or rather the Government - will replace the television licence with a public service broadcasting charge. There is anxiety among the public that perhaps the household benefits package will not cover the charge, so will the Tánaiste indicate when the legislation will come forward? Will some clarity be given in advance to the issue concerning elderly people in particular?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The issues can be discussed when the legislation is before the House.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources completed a value-for-money policy review on the proposals earlier this year and the Minister launched a public consultation on the proposals on 27 August. The consultation will run until 8 October, and following that the Minister will bring legislative proposals to the Government by the end of the year.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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When is it expected that all sections of the Charities Act 2009 will be fully operational and implemented? The international tax agreements Bill is proposed but when is it likely to come before the House? I have mentioned my old friend, the bail Bill, on numerous occasions, even when people on the other side of the House were on this side. Could its progress be in any way expedited?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I understand the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Shatter, is working on the Charities Act. The international tax agreements legislation is expected next year. The Minister, Deputy Shatter, is also working on the preparation of the bail Bill and it will come before the Government when he completes the preparation.

Ray Butler (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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When is publication due of the Garda Síochána (malicious injuries compensation) Bill, which will provide a revised scheme for compensating gardaí who have been maliciously injured during work?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Bill to provide a revised scheme for compensating gardaí maliciously injured in their work is expected to be published early next year.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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In the aftermath of last year's budget, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform gave a commitment to address the anomaly that is the unvouched and untaxed leaders' allowance for Independent Deputies and Senators. When will the promised legislation to deal with the anomaly come before the House?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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That legislation will come before the House this session.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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When will the new tenant purchase scheme be put in place, as the old scheme operated from 1995 until it ran out in 2012? With regard to the electoral Bills, the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, last night stated that the Government figure of €20 million in savings as a result of abolishing the Seanad is inaccurate.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will not go there.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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If the Government admits the figure is wrong or inaccurate-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Not on the Order of Business.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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-----and the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission has also indicated it is wrong, should the Government be continuing with the line? It is giving out false information to the public.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is out of order with that issue.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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The Government has said it is inaccurate.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I understand the tenant purchase issue is to be part of housing legislation to be introduced next year. There is an electoral (amendment) Bill due later this session but my understanding is it will address boundaries for European elections.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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What about the €20 million issue? It could finish in court.

Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent)
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I join other Deputies in commending you on the initiative he has taken for the rights of Members. No. 122a has been put on the clár today and I ask the Tánaiste if the Government will provide time to debate it and a similar motion placed on the clár yesterday. People are watching whether the Government's commitment to Dáil reform is real or rhetoric, and the test of democracy is not how it treats friends but rather how it treats people who have disagreed with it on certain issues. Will the Government provide time to debate the motions and allow elected Members, with a mandate in this House, to be appointed to committees? Will the Government continue to keep a veto over the process? I ask that time be allowed to debate these motions in the spirit of democracy and Dáil reform.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Whips regularly consider the various proposals on the Order Paper to see when they can be moved, and that is why we have Private Members' time. Every Member has the right to speak in this House and every Member has the right to attend any committee.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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The Shannon aviation services Bill has been promised for some time and was supposed to be passed in the last session. Will the Tánaiste give some indication of when it is intended to put it into being? It deals with the amalgamation of Shannon Airport and what was Shannon Development.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The heads of the Bill were approved by the Government in July and we expect to have it this session.

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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What is the position on the admission to schools Bill 2013?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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My understanding is the heads of the Bill are being drafted. They are out for consultation and the Minister for Education and Skills hopes to have the Bill early in the new year.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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With regard to the social welfare Bill, will consideration be given to increasing the rate of payment for JobBridge interns, given that it has proved to be a successful labour activation measure? It would encourage further participation.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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About what Bill is the Deputy talking?

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Could that be considered under the social welfare Bill?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a separate issue. When will the social welfare Bill be introduced?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Bill will be introduced after the budget. The content is a budgetary matter and nobody could expect me to talk about the detail of it.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister for Social Protection is fighting a rearguard action.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Pat Leahy is publishing it.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot debate that matter now.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Will the Tánaiste ask the Government Chief Whip and the deputy Chief Whip from the Labour Party to reconsider this fair and democratic motion brought forward yesterday and approve it at an early date?

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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When can we expect to see the Taxi Regulation Bill 2012?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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It is going to committee in October.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The concludes the Order of Business. I thank Members for their co-operation. It is nice to note that former Ceann Comhairle Sean Treacy will be 90 this weekend. I hope that is an indication of the health one has from being Ceann Comhairle, although I doubt it in my case.