Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed to take No. 20, Fines (Payment and Recovery) Bill 2013 – Report and Final Stages, resumed; No. 21, Health Service Executive (Financial Matters) Bill 2013 – Second Stage, resumed, to adjourn at 5 p.m. and not to resume thereafter today; and No. 22, statements on the recent flooding, resumed. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 22 shall be taken not later than 5 p.m. today and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7.30 p.m. tonight. Private Members’ business shall be No. 137 – motion regarding the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, resumed, to conclude at 9 p.m., if not previously concluded. Tomorrow’s business after oral questions shall be No. 19, Protected Disclosures Bill 2013 [Seanad] – Second Stage, resumed, and No. 23, Roads Bill 2014 – Second Stage, resumed.

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. 22 agreed to? Agreed.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am sure the Taoiseach will join me in saying that deaths following the decision of the Ukrainian Government to crush peaceful opposition protests brutally are an outrage that all democratic countries should condemn and oppose resolutely. Will the Taoiseach, and the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade in particular, support immediately the move by a number of EU governments to prepare sanctions targeted against those responsible for rejecting negotiations and unleashing this state-led violence? Could the Taoiseach provide Government time for a debate on the Ukrainian circumstances and the range of sanctions that can be deployed, particularly given our membership of the European Union? A very strong voice should emanate from this Parliament on what is now occurring in Ukraine, including the unacceptable number of deaths and injuries being visited upon the protesters. As the Taoiseach knows, these people have long articulated their desire to have closer relationships with and be embraced by the European Union and the democratic values it espouses.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This is a very serious matter. The European Council was very favourably disposed towards doing business with Ukraine, and it has discussed this on a number of occasions. Clearly, the Ukrainian authorities made a different decision in respect of their arrangements with Russia. The people are very clear about their aspiration to have much closer contact with the European Union. It is a matter in respect of which we can all share in expressing unreserved condemnation. If it is not possible to have a full debate in the House, perhaps the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade might meet to discuss the matter with the Tánaiste and decide on the best way to have an opportunity to reflect on this.

Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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I raised with the Taoiseach yesterday the outstanding commitments made by the Government to the surviving women of the Magdalen laundries. As the Taoiseach knows, a full year has passed since the Taoiseach apologised on behalf of the State to the women, yet, since the apology only one sixth of those eligible for payment under the redress scheme have received any. Pensions, health care and other provisions recommended by the Quirke report and signed off on by the Government have yet to be delivered on. In case the Taoiseach does not already know, I contend he needs to know the failure to deliver on these commitments is causing further hurt and distress among the women. When will the restorative justice Bill be introduced? I ask the Taoiseach not to tell me that it is on the A list because that kind of response offers no clarity or comfort to the women concerned. I ask him to be more precise on the date. Could he confirm that the legislation will be comprehensive and provide for pensions and medical services, and that these services will be provided to women living outside the State in addition to those living within the jurisdiction? Will the legislation result in the implementation of all the remaining recommendations in the Quirke report?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will not take any comment from the Deputy on what I should or should not say from this chair. Whether the Deputy likes it or not, the legislation on restorative justice is on the A list and it will be published this session.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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On the Order of Business last Tuesday I raised the fact that the German constitutional court had reached a majority decision which will, in effect, paralyse the outright monetary transactions, OMT, programme-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Rephrase that, Deputy. You tried to raise it.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle. I tried to raise it.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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It was not in order and the Deputy knows that.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I like to try to do things. The country needs approximately €53 billion-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I suggest you try some other way, such as Topical Issues.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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He is seeking Government time.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I ask the Taoiseach to set up a high-level banking and finance working party to deal with the implications of these things. I will draw an analogy. Just because our normal choreography of business here deals with matters in specific forthcoming legislation or what is in the processing phase, if an item is obviously so important for the country and the inter-relationships which arose during Leaders' Questions - for example, the operation of the 13,000 mortgages in one bank which has been paralysed-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy knows he cannot-----

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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-----while there are 100,000 in the two so-called pillar banks-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please, Deputy, I ask for your co-operation.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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There are grandparents supporting other loans that are not yet non-performing-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is not in order

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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-----but which need support.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Deputy submits a Topical Issue, I will endeavour to consider it favourably.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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With respect, a Cheann Comhairle, that is entering a lottery. Imagine if an aeroplane with a nuclear bomb was circulating Dublin and you said we should submit it as a Topical Issue.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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The Deputies may laugh. I have obviously hit the point, which is why they are laughing.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy must respect the Chair.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It would be submitted to the justice committee.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy hit the nail with his head again.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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The decision of the German court is, in effect, paralysing the OMT. I do not like to cause this turmoil, but will somebody listen?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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You are causing disturbance.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Keep your hand off the time bomb, Deputy.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, please resume your seat.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I will, a Cheann Comhairle, because I respect you. However, the rest of it is a nonsense.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Creighton.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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In light of the Government's announcement yesterday regarding a judicial inquiry into the surveillance of GSOC, will the Taoiseach commit to laying the terms of reference before the Dáil and Seanad, given that GSOC is accountable to the Oireachtas, and allow amendments to those terms of reference so we can have full confidence in that process and ensure the best possible outcome in terms of transparency, accountability and fact finding on behalf of the Irish people?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am glad to see that Deputy Creighton has renewed her membership of the Fine Gael Party. The Minister will appear before the committee-----

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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I have not.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I understand she has.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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The Taoiseach is misinformed, not that it is at all relevant to the point I raised.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Minister will appear before the committee today. The terms of reference will be published by then and he is happy to engage with the committee. I have already outlined to the House the general structure of the terms of reference. The Minister is concerned that there be a full and comprehensive engagement. He will appear before the committee for a long period today.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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With regard to No. 98, the licensing of healthcare facilities Bill, I raised the issue of St. Brigid's Hospital with the Taoiseach yesterday. We are told that the new €3.1 million facility in Ballinasloe, when it is decommissioned as an acute psychiatric unit, will in future be used for psychiatry of later life. In light of its future use, why were the beds taken out last night?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy must table a parliamentary question to get a reply to that. The Deputy knows that.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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How can we believe the HSE when it is removing the beds-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy must resume his seat.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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-----that are supposed to used for services there in the future? What is happening?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I understand they have been put back. If they were not going to be used for particular patients, the beds should not have been taken out in the first place. I also understand that a number of people are meeting with the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, about this matter tomorrow.

Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)
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One of the mortgage providers has decided it is appropriate to give 100% mortgages again. In light of the fact that there is a quagmire of mortgage distress in the country at present and people are still suffering from its effects, when will the banking inquiry take place and when will the terms and conditions be discussed in the House?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Government triggered the opportunity to hold a banking inquiry. The Standing Orders had to be changed to allow that to happen. It is now a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to accept proposals from committees to conduct such an inquiry. That work is very well advanced and it is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges to make its decision on what it considers the best thing to do in this regard. However, work is well advanced on it. We can advise Deputy Spring of the progress made.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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The protection of the future of the post office network in Ireland is important not just for rural communities but also for urban communities. Will the Taoiseach ensure that the Minister for Social Protection will not close down our post office network by urging people to use the banks?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is not in order.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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I am asking the question in respect of the consumer protection and competition Bill-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy can ask it under whatever he likes, but it is not in order. He knows that because I have to tell him every day.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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It is, because of consumer protection.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It is in the programme for Government.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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People deserve to have their post offices retained.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Bill will be produced very shortly.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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What is the progress with the National Treasury Management Agency (amendment) (No. 1) and (No. 2) Bills? When are they expected to be passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas? Similarly, with regard to an evergreen issue for me, the bail Bill, it might be no harm to give it a little nudge again and ask when it might finally be brought before the House.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The heads of the bail Bill are quite advanced in the Department. They will be brought to the Government and circulated to the committee, but I cannot give the Deputy a date for that. The National Treasury Management Agency (amendment) (No. 1) Bill is due for publication very shortly while the National Treasury Management Agency (amendment) (No. 2) Bill will be published later in this session.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to raise two issues. The international spotlight is back on Ireland and, indeed, some notable thinkers in our community this week raised the issue of the 60,000 Irish people who went through forced adoptions and are seeking to find their original identities. This can only be described as a fundamental right. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, has promised for three years to introduce the adoption (tracing and information) Bill. When can we expect the Bill to come before the House?

Second, in light of the decision by the Minister of State with responsibility for planning, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, to invoke section 31 of the Planning and Development Act and reject the proposal of the democratically elected members of Westmeath County Council in respect of wind energy policy on the grounds that it is contrary to the national guidelines, when will we find out what the national guidelines are so we can formulate a plan in that regard? There is great anxiety, worry and fear among the community in Westmeath about this issue. People are hearing one thing from the Government parties in the House and something totally different from members of the same parties on the council in Westmeath.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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They are due to be produced around now. There have been some discussions in the Oireachtas committee this week, along with a number of presentations about wind energy. I will advise Deputy Troy on the current position regarding the publication of the guidelines.

I had a briefing yesterday from the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Fitzgerald, about the problems associated with the adoption issue. I have asked the Minister to circulate an up-to-date information note on this to all Members of the House. It is not as clear or as simple as one might think. There are complex legal and constitutional issues involved. The Minister is attempting to do the best she can on the matter.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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When will we receive the report?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It will be either today or tomorrow.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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There is a serious emerging situation in respect of the road transport Bill and the Irish Road Haulage Association. Could the Taoiseach intervene with the British and Northern Ireland authorities and ask them to refrain from implementing the levy of €10 per truck over 12 tonnes? It is a serious issue for road hauliers. The Government gave them a fuel rebate last year and they appreciate that.

Also, with regard to the consumer protection Bill, can anything be done about the plight of the 13,000 families who are under threat from IBRC and the former Irish Nationwide Building Society? It is a perilous situation and something should be done under some legislative measure.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The consumer (protection) Bill is due shortly. The road transport Bill is due next year.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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I wish to ask the Taoiseach for an update on the criminal justice (cyber crime) Bill. Attacks against their information technology systems are costing companies millions every year in addition to reputational damage.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The heads of the Bill were cleared in 2012 but I do not have a date for its publication.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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I wish to inquire about the foreshore Bill. The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources recently published the offshore renewable energy development plan, which is a framework for sustainable development of offshore wind. Will we get a chance to discuss the plan, or will the Taoiseach arrange a debate in the coming months before the legislation is introduced because it is very controversial for the Dublin constituencies?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I expect the Bill like all others is being drafted in-house in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and there will be an opportunity for open discussion at the appropriate committee. I will advise the Deputy on the exact state of preparation of this important Bill.

Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Fine Gael)
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The health information Bill is to provide a legislative framework for the better governance of health information and initiatives include data matching and health information resources for use in the health services. When can we expect its publication?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I do not have an exact date for publication of the health information Bill. I will advise the Deputy on its state of preparation.

Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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When will legislation be published to provide a statutory replacement for the discontinued mobility allowance and motorised transport grant schemes? The matter is of great concern to people around the country with mobility issues, their families and representative organisations. There is an urgency to the matter at this stage.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The matter will be addressed under the health transport Bill which is due for publication later this year.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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The Bill was promised last year.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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A commitment in the programme for Government is as follows: “We will deal with the problem of legislation being shunted through at high speed and will ensure that Dáil Standing Orders provide a minimum of two weeks between each Stage of a Bill.” When can we expect the change to be introduced?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There are 41 Bills on the A list for this session. We introduced a change in January that heads of a Bill go to committees for discussion to help the process of having a more comprehensive analysis of legislation.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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It bamboozled the Chief Whip.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Generally, when things are shunted through they move slowly. It is the wrong phrase.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Seriously, I would like a response to the question. I refer to a specific commitment in the programme for Government to change the Standing Orders to ensure there are at least two weeks between each Stage of a Bill. When can we expect to see the change? The programme for Government was produced more than three years ago.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Does Deputy O’Dea have examples of Bills that did not proceed along that basis?

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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All the social welfare Bills, the property tax Bill and all other major pieces of legislation.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We have not had the whingeing and screeching about guillotines since we came back.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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When will the Government introduce the change?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We have not had any guillotines since we came back.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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No Bills have been introduced.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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There is a commitment in the programme for Government in that respect.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Sometimes the Opposition does not turn up when it is expected to do so.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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There is a commitment in the programme for Government to change Standing Orders to provide for that. For the third time, when is the change going to occur?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We will have a discussion on the progress report on the programme for Government in the week after next. The examples can be given then.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach is to have a discussion.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We will have a progress report on it.

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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There will not be much progress to be reported on that section.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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There will be a lot more progress to be reported than for the five previous years.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is shunting along.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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I congratulate the Taoiseach on the great victory at the weekend over Dr. Crokes. I wish the team the very best on St. Patrick’s Day.

I wish to ask the Taoiseach whether he would consider broadening the remit of the Order of Business. We can ask about promised legislation and the ordering of business in the House.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The matter can be discussed with the Whips.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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We did not use ten minutes of the time allocated for the Order of Business today. The time would be well spent if Deputies could raise issues of regional or local importance in the time allowed. Will the Taoiseach consider that? It works well in other parliaments.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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Hear, hear.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Does Deputy Griffin have a parliamentary party?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will now move on to the Private Members’ Bill.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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It is something that could be introduced in the House.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Griffin should resume his seat.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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My question is about the ordering of business in the House.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy cannot use the Order of Business for a chat.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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It is a fair question.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is not a fair question. Deputy Griffin can ask the Chief Whip.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Griffin can ask it at the parliamentary party.

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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It will be a busy meeting tonight. Deputy Griffin could wait until next week.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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It is about how we do business in the House and I would please like a response.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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For Deputy Griffin’s information, we are allowed up to 30 minutes. It does not say that we have to use all the time. Up to 20 minutes is provided for on a Thursday. Let us get on to serious business – a Private Member’s Bill, the Protection of Residential Mortgage Account Holders Bill 2014.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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A Cheann Comhairle, I know that but the point I make is that issues of local and regional importance and-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Griffin should resume his seat or he will be taking a walk.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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It is not fair to ignore questions.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call on Deputy Michael McGrath to introduce the Bill.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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It is not right to ignore questions from the floor.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Griffin should resume his seat. I have already dealt with his request.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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It is not fair to ignore questions from the floor in such a manner.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I said that Deputy Griffin should resume his seat.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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I think that is not fair.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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If Deputy Griffin wants to take a walk, he will take one. Either he resumes his seat voluntarily or I will order him out of the Dáil.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Obedience.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Why was my question not allowed?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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What question? It was not in order on the Order of Business.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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My question was about how we do business.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy should raise the matter in another forum, not on the Order of Business.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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This is the main forum. This is the Dáil Chamber.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I warn Deputy Griffin that if he does not resume his seat I will order him out of the House.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Could you tell me why my question was not allowed?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy will leave the House.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Why was the question not allowed?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Griffin will leave the House or I will name him.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Could you tell me, a Cheann Comhairle, why my question was not allowed?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy must leave the House.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Why will you not allow the question?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Did Deputy Griffin hear me?

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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I asked a question and it was not allowed.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask Deputy Griffin to leave the House.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Why was my question not allowed?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Taoiseach to name Deputy Griffin.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Griffin.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Why was my question not allowed?

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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How could the Taoiseach do that after the Deputy had congratulated him on his win?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It was a good match. It is a great pitch in Portlaoise.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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It is a very simple question, a Cheann Comhairle, about how we do business in the House.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will Deputy Griffin leave the House please or I will ask the Captain of the Guard to remove him?

Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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I will go. I will not put the Captain to the trouble. I will leave under protest.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I thank Deputy Griffin very much. That is very kind of him. It is very considerate. I have heard it all now.