Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is proposed to take No. a9, motion re by-election for Dublin West; No. b9, motion re by-election for Longford-Westmeath; and No. 4, Children First Bill 2014 - Second Stage (resumed).

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: (1) the proceedings on Nos. a9 and b9 which shall be debated together shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 25 minutes, whereupon separate questions thereon shall be put from the Chair, and the following arrangements shall apply: the speech of the Tánaiste, a Minister or a Minister of State and the main spokespersons for Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Technical Group who shall be called upon in that order shall not exceed five minutes in each case and such members may share their time; and (2) Private Members’ business which shall be No. 144, motion re housing (resumed), shall take place at the conclusion of Nos. a9 and b9.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are two proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. a9, motion re by-election for Dublin West, and No. b9, motion re by-election for Longford-Westmeath, agreed to? Agreed.

Is the proposal for dealing with Private Members’ business agreed to? Agreed.

Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In view of the major concerns in every community affected by EirGrid's proposals, when will the EirGrid Bill be brought before the House?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The EirGrid Bill is due to be brought forward next year.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Permanent TSB recently announced that it is to raise its standard variable rate for mortgage holders. As the Tánaiste is aware, this bank is 100% State owned. It is introducing an additional charge so that the variable rate will move up to 4.5% from 9 June. No. 89 on the Order Paper is the Interest Rate Approval Bill, a Bill I drafted on behalf of Sinn Féin. This would require any bailed-out bank to seek approval of the Financial Regulator before changing a variable interest rate. Given that this will place a major burden on Permanent TSB mortgage holders, will the Government revisit the issue and look at the commitment the Taoiseach previously gave to give these powers to the Central Bank? On average it will cost a family approximately €480 for a €300,000 mortgage, which is a major imposition given that 17,000 mortgage holders with this bank are in arrears of 90 days or more. The Government has clearly stated it will do nothing about carbon tax, but hopefully it will stand in when a State-owned bank is again fleecing approximately 70,000 customers by hiking up its rate.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Sorry, Deputy, this is-----

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Will the Government support the moving of the Interest Rate Approval Bill? Will the Government introduce a similar Bill or allow this Bill to pass?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There is a procedure for dealing with Private Members' Bills. We cannot have this on the Order of Business. It is a Private Members' Bill; is that correct?

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach publicly gave a commitment regarding banks increasing variable interest rates. He said he would consider introducing legislation to prevent this happening.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is there promised legislation?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There is the Central Bank consolidation Bill. Deputy Doherty is talking about a Private Members' Bill and he knows very well the procedure for advancing-----

Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am asking if the Government will consider-----

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----a Private Members' Bill.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We are dealing with promised legislation here.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I ask the Tánaiste to confirm the status of the workplace relations Bill. Will it include a commitment to mandatory collective bargaining within firms?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The workplace relations Bill is due this session. The Deputy asked a second-----

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I asked about collective bargaining.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On the issue of collective bargaining, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation is due to circulate proposals on that legislation shortly.

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is there a commitment to mandatory collective bargaining within the Bill?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No. We are not dealing with the content.

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

I wish to ask about two Bills. When will the Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill to provide GP services to persons aged five years and under be debated in the House? We now find that 30,000 discretionary medical cards have been withdrawn in the past year or thereabouts.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No-----

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

How will the funding mechanism be put in place to ensure we do not have further attacks on very sick and vulnerable people?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What Bill is the Deputy talking about?

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

The Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill because-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We can find out for the Deputy.

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

I also have a second Bill.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will come back to the Deputy.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The health Bill to provide medical cards to children under six, which I understand Fianna Fáil opposes, has already been published.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What is the Deputy's second Bill?

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

While it is giving GP-visit cards to those aged under six-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is not listening to me. What is his second piece of legislation?

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

-----it is taking medical cards from the sickest people, which I will oppose.

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Michael O'Leary's child will get one.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Please-----

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

In the context of the announcement by the Minister for Health about lifetime community rating, will that require primary legislation or will it be done through statutory instrument or regulation?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is there promised legislation here?

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

A commitment has been made that lifetime community rating will be introduced immediately for private health insurance. When will that be-----

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

What Bill is the Deputy referring to?

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

I do not know the Bill because he mentioned he would bring forward legislation to introduce lifetime community rating.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy should probably put the question to the Minister for Health directly. If he can tell me the Bill, I can tell him where it is in the-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is about promised legislation.

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

There has been a policy decision.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No. I will answer any question the Deputy has on a Bill that is on the legislative list.

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

We are entitled to raise policy issues as well, are we not?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

If it is a policy issue, the Deputy should address it to the Minister.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

There are other ways to raise it. I call Deputy Kitt.

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste just does not know.

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

A Cheann Comhairle, we are entitled to raise policy.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

No. The Deputy knows as well as I do. He is long enough here. He should not be playing games with me. I appreciate he wants to make a point. He has made his point and I now ask him to resume his seat. If he wants to table a parliamentary question, he may by all means do so.

Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Tánaiste will be home in a few weeks and he will know all these things.

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

The programme for Government makes a commitment to give effect to a waste policy - it was actually mentioned by the Minister this morning - the environment miscellaneous provisions Bill. I understand that has implications for the merger of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland. I also wish to ask about the radiological protection miscellaneous provisions Bill. Given the problems with the illegal dumping of waste, when will we see that legislation?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have good news for the Deputy on both Bills he mentioned. The environment miscellaneous provisions Bill is due this session. The radiological protection miscellaneous provisions Bill is also due this session.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government deservedly won many plaudits on the publication of the McAleese report on the plight of those people who had been incarcerated in the Magdalen laundries. What progress has been achieved in implementing the recommendations of that report? Specifically a restorative justice Bill was promised arising from that process. Where stands that restorative justice Bill? Where is the Government in terms of implementing the other recommendations of the report?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The restorative justice Bill is due this session. From responses to parliamentary questions, I know the Minister for Justice and Equality, the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs have responded to the progress on the implementation of various elements of the report.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A few weeks ago Deputy Finian McGrath introduced a very worthy Bill, the Down's Syndrome (Equality of Access) Bill, which the Government accepted on Second Stage. This morning some constituents asked me the current situation with that Bill. When will it come before the committee?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is a Private Members' Bill that was agreed on Second Stage.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Again that is a Private Members' Bill. I believe it passed Second Stage and it is now a matter for the relevant committee.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I call Deputy Mathews.

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Is there a planned timetable for it to go to the committee?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That is not a matter for now. It is a matter for the committee; it goes to the committee.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I refer to Nos. 150a and 150b on the Order Paper. I appreciate the Tánaiste's remarks that the banking inquiry is a Dáil banking inquiry. It is not a Government proposal, but a Dáil, a parliamentary, exercise. With that in mind the committee that is being established to carry out the banking inquiry will have nine members.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Sorry, we cannot discuss that now.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is in light of the Tánaiste saying that it is a Dáil inquiry. The recent court case had a jury of up to 15 people.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Hold on a second. We cannot debate this now.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I understand, a Cheann Comhairle.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

You have to understand. I understand you have a point but not on the Order of Business.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is on the Order of Business.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Put down a Topical Issue or a parliamentary question.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Sorry, a Cheann Comhairle, it is on 150b.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

We cannot debate the number of people on a committee on the Order of Business. It is as simple as that.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is on the Order of Business, in print.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is not on the Order of Business that we debate the number of people who serve on a committee. I am sorry.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The second point relates to 150a which is terribly important for the scope of this inquiry. Under the terms of reference, all the directors of all the deposit taking institutions-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy, please-----

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----in the period 2001 to 2008-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy, I have to ask you to resume your seat. You know you are out of order.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----should be available and compelled to be here, otherwise-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Thank you, Deputy. Please resume your seat. It is not in order on the Order of Business.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Sorry, a Cheann Comhairle. I was removed from committees as a punishment for-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Hold on a minute. Please resume your seat.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

That exists to this day and that is wrong in a democracy.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Would you switch off the microphones, please?

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Brian Walsh is back.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Would you please resume your seat, Deputy Mathews? I will not ask you again.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I apologise.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Every time you stand up, you are out of order. You will not adhere to the Chair. I call Deputy Pringle.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A Cheann Comhairle-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

You know what can and cannot be raised on the Order of Business. Deputy, will you sit down?

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is why the country is in the state it is in.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Raise this some other way.

Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

This is why Ireland is in the state it is in and it is wrong.

Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach gave a commitment that the inquiry by Justice Cooke into the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission bugging allegations would be delivered before Easter. Does the Tánaiste have any information as to when the report will be made available to the House?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As I understand it, that report has not yet been received. Clearly when it is, arrangements will be made to have it discussed in the House.

Ray Butler (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

When is publication of the family law Bill to make provision for pension adjustments in the context of separation agreements and certain other reforms in family law expected?

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is expected next year.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I refer to the housing (miscellaneous provisions) Bill. We will discuss the Children First Bill 2014 today. Probably like the Ceann Comhairle and almost every Deputy, I have come across situations where children in families are being evicted because of the situation in the rental housing market and with rent supplement. The Tánaiste was a housing spokesperson for approximately ten years when we served together as spokespersons. Is it time to declare a housing emergency-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Not on the Order of Business.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

-----to cap rents and take some urgent action? I know we will debate a motion on homelessness later, and I did not get the chance to speak yesterday, but I think the Tánaiste knows this subject as well as, if not better, than any Member of this House.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Thank you very much.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In the time this Government has left, is it not time to declare a housing emergency and to stop putting children and their parents on the streets as a result of what is going on in the housing market at this time? For anybody representing a worker's movement party, it is outrageous.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Deputy Broughan, please.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Do not thank me. You are totally out of order.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am not actually.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

You are totally out of order.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

A Cheann Comhairle-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I do not know what legislation the Deputy is talking about. What legislation are you talking about, Deputy Broughan?

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The housing (miscellaneous provisions) Bill.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The housing (miscellaneous provisions) Bill will be taken in this session. We address the housing crisis not by making declarations but by taking action on it.

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Government is not doing that.

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy may be absolutely assured that this Government is taking action on the housing crisis.