Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed to take No. 22, statements on pre-European Council meeting of 27 June; No. 1, State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014 Seanad - Second Stage (resumed); and No. 2, Friendly Societies and Industrial and Provident Societies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013 Seanad - Second Stage.

It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 22 shall be taken immediately following the Order of Business and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 65 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) the statements by the Taoiseach and the main spokespersons for Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Technical Group who shall be called upon in that order and may share their time shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case; (ii) a Minister or a Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed five minutes; (iii) the suspension of the sitting shall take place at the conclusion of No. 22.

Private Members’ business shall be No. 151, motion re beef industry (resumed), to conclude at 9 p.m., if not previously concluded.

Tomorrow’s business after Oral Questions shall be No. 21, Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014 - Report Stage (resumed); No. 9a, Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2014 - Motion to Instruct Committee; and No. 23, Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2014 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 9ashall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after one hour on that day and the following arrangements shall apply: the speech of a Minister or a Minister of State and the main spokespersons for Fianna Fail, Sinn Féin and the Technical Group who shall be called upon in that order and who may share time shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case.

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 No. 22 agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 9atomorrow agreed to? Agreed.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to ask about a number of promised Bills in the health area. We have just had a discussion on the west-north west saga, involving the procurement of a report on maternity services, as well as the circumstances surrounding a shareholding of the then chairman of the West-North West Hospitals Group. The health care initiatives Bill will enable the HSE to set up subsidiary companies. Given all that has happened recently, it is legislation in which most Deputies will be interested and on which there should be prior consultation. Will the Taoiseach give an indication as to when he expects publication of that Bill, which is topical. It is No. 95 in the Government's legislative programme for 2014.

The health transport support Bill will provide for a scheme to make individual payments to people with severe disabilities who cannot access public transport as a contribution towards their transport costs. This is a very significant issue for those with severe disabilities. When can we expect publication of the Bill?

I seek information on the human tissue Bill in the context of the very shocking revelations in the Irish Independent today regarding the remains of deceased infants being used for research purposes in universities across the State for a prolonged period. The Bill aims to meet the key recommendations made in the Madden report on post mortems and the retention of human tissue after post mortems without consent. Again, the Taoiseach might indicate when he expects publication of the Bill.

The national paediatric hospital development board (amendment) Bill will provide for an amendment to the functions and membership of the national paediatric hospital development board. I ask the Taoiseach to give update me on the Bill, given the importance of the project and its centrality to the future care of children.

We had a very damning report this week on the levels of alcohol consumption in the country. The report highlights the high incidence of binge drinking among adults and young people alike. I recall that the former Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Róisín Shortall, was strong in promoting the Bill, but for some reason it seems to have withered on the vine because I do not know where it is. It will provide for minimum unit pricing in the retailing of alcohol products, regulate the marketing and advertising of alcohol and sports sponsorship, provide for a structural separation of alcohol from other products and also for health labelling of alcohol products. Will the Taoiseach indicate what the Government's expectation is in terms of publication of the Bill and the timeline for progressing it through the Oireachtas.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy asked about four Bills, the first of which was the health care initiatives Bill, for which there is no specific date. The Bill relating to the mobility scheme is due for publication later this year, with other legislation to which I referred yesterday. There is no specific date for the human tissue Bill. There is a great deal of work being done in respect of the national paediatric hospital, with a timeline set out for all of the issues involved.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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What about the Bill?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Obviously, I can bring the Deputy up to date on the extent of that work. Obviously, the Bill will be published later in the year.

The Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, has been dealing with the public health (alcohol) Bill for some time now, although he is otherwise engaged at present. A group dealing with sports sponsorship by alcohol companies has been set up and is being chaired by my own Department. It will report before the end of the year. It is not strictly related to the Bill mentioned by the Deputy, but it is part of the overall framework.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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When can we expect the Bill to be published?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thought we would have had it by now, but it is not far away at this stage. It has been the Minister of State's focus for-----

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Will the Minister of State still be in charge after the reshuffle?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That is a question I cannot answer .

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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He could be Tánaiste.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Ba mhaith liom dhá cheist a chur ar an Taoiseach faoi chlár an Rialtais - i dtaobh an homeless prevention service agus i dtaobh free GP care - ach i dtús ba mhaith liom an deis seo a thógáil chun mo chomhbhrón agus comhbhrón Shinn Féin a chur in iúl do theaghlach Gerry Conlon, a fuair bás an deireadh seachtaine seo caite.

Gerry Conlon, his father Guiseppe who died in prison, Paul Hill, Carole Richardson and Paddy Armstrong were the victims of a grave miscarriage of justice and spent 15 years in prison. As is well known, Gerry, on his release, spent his time working for other victims of injustice. I extend solidarity and my condolences to his sisters and entire family circle. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

The Taoiseach has committed to ending long-term homelessness, including youth homelessness and the need to sleep rough. Yesterday Fr. Peter McVerry warned about a tsunami of homelessness and described the current housing situation as "grim". He said his charitable organisation had seen a tenfold increase in the number of citizens it was supporting. Yesterday the Taoiseach agreed with me that the homeless crisis needed to be resolved. The homeless prevention service, recently established by the Government, is not working. Does the Taoiseach have plans to review the work of that service and, if so, when?

Ba mhaith liom ceist a chur maidir le plean an Rialtais i dtaobh free GP care. The Government will miss the July deadline for the introduction of free GP care for children under the age of six years. This was a central plank of the programme for Government and claimed by the Labour Party as a great breakthrough. The Government has already missed the March 2012 date for the introduction of free GP care for those included in the long-term illnesses scheme. Free GP care is supposed to be available for everyone by 2016. Does the Taoiseach expect to keep to that schedule?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I never met the late Gerry Conlon, but I sympathise with his extended family on his death. I did, however, meet Paul Hill who said on Sunday that those who spoke about Gerry Conlon should look in the mirror and ask themselves some questions. We know that Deputy Gerry Adams was never a member of the IRA, but he has had extensive contacts with people in the IRA for many years. Some of these contacts will know exactly who was involved in the Guildford and Birmingham bombings. Perhaps one legacy from a tragic past might be those who know the truth coming forward, even after the death of Gerry Conlon, to say, "We are responsible; we are guilty; we were under orders." Perhaps the Deputy does not know them, but perhaps his contacts do. Perhaps this might be one of the greatest legacies of the tragedy of Gerry Conlon spending 15 years in prison with Paul Hill and others.

I listened to Fr. McVerry speaking in respect of homelessness this morning. He pointed out the many issues which lead to people becoming homeless, including violence, alcohol misuse, psychiatric conditions, etc. As stated yesterday, €50 million has been allocated this year in respect of homelessness and a further €30 million has been allocated for the provision of facilities for those who are homeless. However, there can be no solution to the situation of homelessness which does not involve the building of houses. That is why those in the social housing sector and private construction companies need to get back on the pitch. Regardless of what is done with the current stock of available space, this problem will not be solved without houses being built first. More must be done - whether it be by means of expediting planning applications or whatever - to facilitate that. This issue is the focus of the Minister of State with responsibility for housing and the Government, in terms of both the provision of resources and facilitating what needs to be done. The committee with responsibility in this area is working very well and it is constantly reviewing the position. The answer to the Deputy's questions is that one will not deal with homelessness on the scale that exists in this city in particular without providing more housing, be it in the form of social housing, from NAMA or by some other means.

The deadline that was originally envisaged in respect of free GP care will not be met. However, the Government is working on the matter with a sense of priority.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I would like to respond to something the Taoiseach said.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, we are not having a debate on the Order of Business.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I am not seeking a debate. The Taoiseach raised an issue that is a matter of public record.

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

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I want to clarify matters with regard to the public record.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy has had his say. I cannot allow this on the Order of Business.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I am sorry but the Taoiseach raised an issue,

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask the Deputy to respect the Chair. The Taoiseach responded to his question and that is it.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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He did not respond to my question.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Adams should please respect the Chair.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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It is a matter of public record that the IRA unit responsible for the bombing at Guilford made a full public statement in 1975. Its members also testified in the British courts that they, not Gerry Conlon, were responsible for the bombing. The Taoiseach is very badly informed.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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They are walking around.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am surprised that a man of Deputy Adams's experience would do such a thing. He totally ignored the Chair. If the Deputy wants to bring chaos to the Chamber, he should continue down that road.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I want to set the record straight.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is totally out of order and I strenuously object to his behaviour.

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Adams has had 20 years to set the record straight.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I want to set the record straight.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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We might be here for a while if the Deputy is determined to go that route.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I might be able to shed some light on that subject because I was a member of the relevant committee at the time.

What is the current position regarding the credit guarantee (amendment) Bill? When is that legislation likely to come before the House, how much work has been done on it and is it ready for presentation?

I become nostalgic for the bail Bill when it does not make a dramatic appearance on the Order Paper. Is that Bill likely to come before the House prior to the end of the session or the end of the year?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The heads of the credit guarantee (amendment) Bill were approved by the Cabinet two weeks ago. They will now go to the relevant committee for the pre-legislative stage discussion. There are a number of important amendments relating to that legislation.

The Department of Justice and Equality is still dealing with the draft heads of the bail Bill so it is likely to be some time before it is introduced.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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I wish to ask the Taoiseach about the statements on the forthcoming European Council meeting which the House is due to take after the Order of Business. I understand that once again the 12 non-aligned Members of the House will be excluded from this debate. We are permanently excluded from making statements on European Council meetings. Will the Taoiseach consider taking a more inclusive approach by affording all Members time to contribute to debates of this nature? Obviously, important decisions are going to be taken at this week's meeting in respect of the future leadership of the European Commission. I am vice president of the European People's Party-----

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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I do not think the Deputy will be considered for the top job.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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-----and I will be participating in some of the discussions that are due to take place in the coming days. Perhaps the Taoiseach-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy has made her point.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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I thank the Ceann Comhairle and I know he would like to facilitate me.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Some 65 minutes have been allocated for the statements and Members will be able to share time. Perhaps some Deputies may consider surrendering some of their time.

Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Independent)
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That would be fair.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I would be happy to accommodate the Deputy.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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What about the man behind the Taoiseach? Is he prepared to accommodate her?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Given that 65 minutes have been allocated, we can take it that the Deputy will be given some time in which to make a contribution. I thank the Taoiseach for accommodating Deputy Creighton.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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Good transport links are key to the country's economic development, particularly in the midlands. There is a need to improve the safety and reliability of the road network throughout the country. As the Taoiseach is aware, the completion of the motorway from Dublin to Sligo has been a priority for me and a great deal of work was done-----

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I know this is very important.

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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There is a serious bottleneck on the road which runs out of Mullingar to Rooskey and onward through the remainder of County Longford.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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To what legislation is the Deputy referring?

James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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When is the road traffic Bill, the purpose of which will be to provide for further measures in respect of road safety, due to come before us?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The road traffic Bill is due next year. The section of road to which the Deputy refers is the subject of a process that is in train.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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In the context of the homelessness crisis, I was present when Fr. Peter McVerry launched the report this morning. He made the point that it now seems impossible that the housing strategy for the homeless will be fully implemented by 2016. Is there a possibility the Government might consider introducing legislation other than the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is not going to provide a solution in any event? The Taoiseach previously suggested that he would chair a meeting of interested parties and stakeholders in order to consider how we might deal with what Fr. McVerry described as the increasing numbers of people who are homeless.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As I stated earlier, there is a major supply issue here. The committee on social policy is due to meet on Monday next to discuss this matter. The Dublin city manager and others will be present at that meeting.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Despite Government assurances that reviews of medical cards have stopped, such reviews have unfortunately not ceased. Medical cards continue to be reviewed and withdrawn on a daily basis. I raise this matter in the context of the health care initiatives Bill. It is estimated that more than 30,000 have been withdrawn and the Government indicated that it is going to return 15,000 of these. What is the position with regard to the other 15,000 genuine cases?

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will check the position in respect of the Bill.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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As I informed Deputy Martin, I do not have a date for the publication of that Bill.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Yesterday I raised the issue of the post office network throughout the country.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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And the Deputy knows the position in that regard.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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I am coming at the matter from a different angle today.

Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy cannot come at the same problem from a different angle.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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This is a serious issue and I raise it in the context of the consumer protection and competition Bill. There is no protection for consumers at present, particularly as the price of stamps is being increased by 8 cent. Post offices are going to be closed, one way or another. When will the Bill be introduced?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Drafting of that legislation has advanced a great deal. I remind the Deputy that he was a member of an outfit that closed 196 post offices in its time.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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That was below the belt.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Mattie McGrath should apologise for being party to that.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Apologise for what? Deputy Durkan should take his tablets and calm down.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Mattie McGrath should apologise for doing wrong.

Frank Feighan (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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There are many public and private health care facilities throughout the country and we certainly need a system for licensing these. In that context, when will the licensing of healthcare facilities Bill be introduced?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That Bill will be brought forward later in the year.

Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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Some 91 children were admitted to adult psychiatric units last year. Will the Taoiseach indicate when the report of the expert group charged with reviewing the Mental Health Act 2001 be published? The delay in addressing this matter is resulting in minors being admitted to adult psychiatric units. I ask the Taoiseach to take a special interest in this issue.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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To which report is the Deputy referring?

Colm Keaveney (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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The report of the expert group charged with reviewing the Mental Health Act 2001.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I understand that is quite well advanced. When the expert group has completed its work, the report will obviously be published. I can provide the Deputy with an update on the exact position.

Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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When is it intended to bring the broadcasting (amendment) Bill before the House? As the Taoiseach is aware, that legislation will remove the television licence fee and replace it with a broadcasting charge. The revenue accruing to the State will increase as a result. Will the Bill contain a provision to facilitate the disbursement of some of the moneys collected to the local radio station network, which provides a considerable level of public service broadcasting?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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That Bill is still in preparation. The point raised by Deputy Dooley, along with many others, will be discussed when it is published. It is still in preparation.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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I want to ask the Taoiseach about proposed legislation in the health area. I am referring to No. 96 on the Government list, the health (transport supports) Bill. It is supposed to provide for a scheme to make individual payments to people with severe disabilities who cannot access public transport as a contribution towards their transport costs. In view of the fact that people who are living in remote rural areas and who do not have access to public transport are no longer getting assistance from the supplementary welfare budget and in view of the fact that the exceptional needs payment budget has been reduced steadily by this Government in the past three years, when will that legislation be brought forward?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have already dealt with that. The legislation to deal with the question of access to motorised transport is due for publication later this year.

Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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Has the finance been provided?