Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed to take No. 14a, motion re Constitutional Convention; No. 5, Industrial Development (Forfás Dissolution) Bill 2013 - Second Stage resumed; and No. 23, Oireachtas (Ministerial and Parliamentary Offices) (Amendment) Bill 2013 [Seanad] - Second Stage resumed.

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 14a shall be decided without debate. Tomorrow's business after Oral Questions shall be No. 1, European Parliament Elections (Amendment) Bill 2013 [Seanad] - Second Stage (resumed) and Subsequent Stages. Private Members’ business shall be No. 137, motion re Health Service Executive (resumed), to conclude at 9 p.m. if not previously concluded.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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There is one proposal to be put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 14a, motion re Constitutional Convention, agreed to? Agreed.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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On behalf of Fianna Fáil, I wish to extend my sympathies to the Taoiseach, as leader of Fine Gael, and to the Nealon family on the death of Ted Nealon, who was a former Minister of State and Deputy. He had a very unique view of Irish politics as a serving Member and as someone who transformed the media coverage of politics. My party wishes to note his passing.

Can the Taoiseach clarify whether yesterday's announcement of what he has christened the McGuinness commission will have any impact on the impending EirGrid Bill? It seems that he is passing responsibility for the activities of that commission, and its programme of investigation, on to Mrs. Justice McGuinness. Can he give the House an update in that regard? Who is in charge of the commission? Will it have any impact on the forthcoming legislation?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The EirGrid Bill is expected next year. The McGuinness commission will decide its terms of reference on the basis of criteria that are to be set out. It will look at the response of the Minister to Grid Link and Grid West. I hope that can be extended to the North-South project as well. It has nothing to do with the EirGrid Bill, which is listed for next year.

I thank the Deputy for his comments in respect of the former Deputy and Minister of State, Ted Nealon. While I am on my feet, I would like to express our sympathy to Deputy Michael McGrath on the sad death of his brother.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I want to add Sinn Féin's condolences to the condolences expressed by Teachta Calleary on the death of Ted Nealon. I want to extend our condolences to the Taoiseach, to Fine Gael and to the Nealon family. I also want to add my voice to Teachta Joan Collins's tribute to the late Pete Seeger and to record my great admiration for him. I want to extend my condolences to the Seeger family on his passing.

I have two questions, the first of which is maidir le reachtaíocht atá forógraithe; namely, the Children First Bill. Yesterday's European Court of Human Rights judgment in favour of Louise O'Keeffe found that the State was liable for the sexual abuse she suffered. In his response to me yesterday, the Taoiseach acknowledged that Ms O'Keeffe's case "clearly indicates the scale of that historical abuse and the failures... to protect children" and emphasised that "the protection of children is absolutely a priority for the Government". The heads of the Children First Bill have been published, but when can we see the full Bill? Can Ms O'Keeffe expect to receive a full apology, along with the other victims and survivors, for the failure to deal with her compassionately over a long time? Will the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Education and Skills to make a statement to the Dáil at the earliest opportunity?

It is clear from the answer given by the Taoiseach during Leaders' Questions that the North-South interconnector is not part of the review that was established by the Cabinet yesterday. The Government is now seeking to include it in the review and the Taoiseach is hopeful in that regard.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot go back on Leaders' Questions.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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It would be better if the Taoiseach were very clear on that so that the people along the route of this interconnector would know that they are being treated the same as other citizens who live near other proposed pylon routes.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thought I made that clear.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are not going back into Leaders' Questions.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle. In my response yesterday, which related to two proposals, I made it clear that I want this review to be extended to cover the North-South project.

The Children First Bill has been promised by Governments for years. I can confirm that the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, who was the first senior Minister with responsibility for children and children's issues to be appointed by this State, intends to finalise and publish this Bill in the next few weeks. This important legislation is a priority for the Government. I will have the privilege of launching the agency for children tomorrow.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Child and Family Agency.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This is a brand new opportunity to demonstrate that we are serious about the protection of our children and their rights, which the people voted for in a referendum in 2012, and about providing a future for them.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Go raibh maith agat.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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The publication of the EirGrid Bill has been delayed. We were promised that it would be published in the first session of this year, but now it has been put back. I wonder whether that has anything to do with the quicksand the Government has arrived in - the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte and the Taoiseach are saying one thing - with regard to the whole issue of pylons.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, we are not going there again.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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It is very important that we have legislation and that we rein in these monsters - not the pylons but the people who are pushing them.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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When we get the legislation, the Deputy can have as much debate as he wants.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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When are we going to get it?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Bill in question has always been listed for next year.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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It was listed for this year. What happened?

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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It was never listed for this year.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I have been told that it was listed for this year.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Never.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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It was.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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I would like to ask the Taoiseach about secondary legislation that relates to the Road Traffic Act 2011. The Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport told me yesterday in a parliamentary reply that he is relying on Garda discretion when it comes to the prosecution of drivers who have been left for 43 days without a driving licence as a result of the delays in the new licensing system. The legal anomalies that are being created by this delay need to be addressed. When will we see the outstanding statutory instruments in relation to that Road Traffic Act?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I cannot give the Deputy the detail he is seeking. I will get the Minister to respond to him in respect of the issues he has raised.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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What is the exact status of the criminal justice (victims rights) Bill at the moment? I think it is on the C list. I have asked the Taoiseach previously whether he will honour a pre-election commitment to the people of Coolock and Artane.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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What are they?

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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He said he would meet the victims and relatives committee of the Stardust disaster and would consider instituting a McDowell-type commission to look into that disaster.

I commend the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on the comments she made about the disastrous crush at the Copper Face Jacks nightclub, which is just up the road from here, a few days ago. I want the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice and Equality to pursue this matter vigorously with the owners of that venue.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The heads of the criminal justice Bill are being worked on. Quite a deal of development has taken place in that context. I cannot give Deputy Broughan a date for the publication of the Bill. Obviously, the heads of the Bill will go to the relevant committee in line with the new practice. Everybody will be able to comment on them and hearings will take place as necessary. I understand that the survivors involved in the Stardust disaster are in a position to have some new information published. Obviously, that will be done through their legal advisers. I look forward to hearing what that is. What was the Deputy's third question?

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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It related to the near-disaster at Copper Face Jacks the other night.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That was a comment as distinct from a question to the Taoiseach.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is not for me to comment on the nightclub, but I am interested in the comments made by the Minister for Justice and Equality. I also note the comments of the proprietor that these matters will be addressed. They were more than surprised at the numbers of people who showed up at that time on that night.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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The alcohol promotions are the problem.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am glad that those involved in the crush are recovering.

Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Independent)
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The Taoiseach will be aware that a number of local authority tenants are unable to purchase their homes because of the termination of previous schemes. Will the Government urgently bring forward the long-awaited housing Bill to address this issue and a myriad of other issues in our dysfunctional and failing housing system for the tens of thousands of families in housing need?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I answered this question yesterday. The heads of that Bill were cleared in December and it is expected to be published in this session. It is a matter of concern to the Government that a scheme should be in place so that work is under way.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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I was going to mention the tenants housing purchase scheme. Section 62 of the Housing Act needs to be repealed as a result of a Supreme Court decision which is causing serious problems for local authorities in dealing with anti-social issues. The Taoiseach previously said that the housing Bill would be published early this year. At what stage are we? Has the Cabinet discussed it and when will we see it?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As I said, the heads have been cleared so it now goes to committee for open consultation and observation from Members of the House and outside groups in order to get it into the best shape we can. At an early stage people will have the opportunity to make the points the Deputy mentioned. It is listed for this session.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Young people who are forced to work abroad are finding they have to come home to renew their driving licences, which is wrong. Will this issue be addressed in the Road Traffic (No. 2) Bill?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I understand that Bill is on Committee Stage in the Seanad and people will make these points for consideration by the Minister.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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Recent reports have dealt with deaths from substance misuse. These have highlighted the widespread availability and misuse of prescription drugs, which are key factors in these deaths. From drugs task forces we know that the main drugs of abuse are prescription drugs followed by alcohol. I wish to ask about secondary legislation. Approximately 15 months ago new draft regulations were drawn up to restrict dealing in, possession of and prescribing of benzodiazepines. What is the reason for the delay in signing off on those new regulations? They are very much overdue and have the potential to transform the situation regarding dealing in prescription drugs. When will those regulations be signed?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will need to come back to the Deputy. She has raised an important issue. Clearly the incidence of this problem is increasing. It is a matter of great concern to parents and everybody. I will respond to the Deputy as to what is the problem and when we can expect to have publication.

Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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When can we expect publication of the consumer protection and competition Bill to amalgamate the National Consumer Agency and the Competition Authority and to give effect to other changes to competition and consumer law including making provision for a statutory code of conduct for the grocery goods sector and giving effect to the recommendations of the advisory group on media mergers?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It will be this session. A great deal of work has been done on it.

Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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When is the State airports (Shannon group) Bill expected to be published?

In the context of the roads programme, can the Taoiseach advise on the development of the Gort to Tuam motorway through the public private partnership scheme?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That sounds like a parliamentary question to me.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The State airports (Shannon group) Bill is due this session. As an assistant Whip, I am sure Deputy Carey will have some influence on when it might come to the House for discussion. He should talk to his fellow Whip on it.

The road programme the Deputy mentioned is due for commencement this year under the PPP system.

Brendan Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Many people who are currently prevented from applying for certain jobs are anxiously waiting for the passage of the Spent Convictions Bill, which is awaiting Report Stage. In the middle of the last term it was on the Order Paper but was withdrawn. What is the reason for the delay? When will it return to the House so that we can complete the passage of the Bill?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is still awaiting Report Stage because Deputies made a number of suggestions and a number of amendments are being considered in the Office of the Attorney General, as I understand it. I will give the Deputy an update as to when we can expect Report Stage to be taken.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am surprised I did not hear from Deputy Durkan.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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You did not observe me, a Cheann Comhairle.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am sorry.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I was very disappointed and thought I would have to go to Specsavers myself.

What is the status of the national children's hospital development Bill? To what extent is it enhanced or affected in any way by the recent and welcome announcements of similar developments in the hospitals in Blanchardstown and Tallaght? When will the Second Stage debate of the Bill be held?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The two announcements for Tallaght Hospital and the Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown relate to children's emergency units. They are to take pressure off the national paediatric hospital. When it is built they will provide specialist services for children. I will send the Deputy a copy of a letter that sets out the progress in respect of the development board and the hospital.

Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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A succession of stealth charges imposed by the Government have placed middle and low-income families in dire straits. The introduction of water charges will add to this burden. The consumer needs maximum protection in these circumstances. Does the Government intend including a provision to allow for the amalgamated National Consumer Agency and Competition Authority to play a statutory role in protecting the interests and welfare of consumers?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As I said, that Bill is practically finalised and is listed for this session. The Deputy can expect it fairly quickly.