Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed to take No. 8, statements on the Irish language and No. 2, Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 - Second Stage (Resumed).

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings in relation to No. 8 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after three hours and the following arrangements shall apply: the statement of a Minister or Minister of State and of the main spokespersons for Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin, Labour, AAA-PBP, Independents4Change, Social Democrats, the Green Party or a Member nominated in their stead, and a non-party Deputy, shall not exceed ten minutes in each case, and such Members may share their time; the statement of each other Member called upon shall not exceed ten minutes in each case, and such Members may share their time; and a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed five minutes.

Private Members' business shall be No. 3, Central Bank (Variable Rate Mortgages) Bill 2016 – Second Stage (Resumed), to conclude at 8.30 p.m. tonight, if not previously concluded.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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There is one proposal only to put to the House today. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 8 agreed to? Agreed. On the Order of Business, I call Deputy Martin.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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There is one procedural matter. I would point out to the Tánaiste that on Thursday last an e-mail was sent to the Whips requesting nominations for the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle and that they were to be submitted by the close of business on Friday last. Parties were invited to send in their nominations. It was said that this had to be done so that a motion would be put to the House tomorrow, 19 May. On Monday, we learned that the Government Whips contacted the Office of the Clerk of the Dáil to advise that the motion would not now come before the House on 19 May, even though three nominations were submitted before the deadline on Friday last.

Will the Tánaiste clarify what has occasioned the change of mind? There was a big rush on Thursday to get the names in before Friday. That happened. Some parties submitted names. Then on Monday, unbeknownst to anybody, there was a communication to the Ceann Comhairle's office to the effect that the vote would not be taken this week. It is surprising.I would appreciate it if the Tánaiste gave some rationale as to why it is the Government's intention not to hold the vote tomorrow.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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It appears that the Government missed the deadline and failed to submit a nomination for the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle, if that was its intention, although who am I to know? We are due an explanation. In the new dispensation heralded by the converts in the new Government we are being told we cannot hold the election for the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle when it was designated to be held.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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On this issue-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am afraid only party leaders may speak.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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He is a leader.

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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He is Deputy Mattie McGrath's leader.

Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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I heard there was to be a coup.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Michael Healy-Rae has to be very brief.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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This is very serious. There was a deadline and it has passed. I cannot see why the Government should think it can change the rules during the game. One cannot do so. It is not proper and not the right behaviour. It is a bad start for the Government if it thinks it can twist a deadline to suit some other issue. It is wrong.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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We have received a report from the HSE on the numbers of operations and procedures that have been cancelled or postponed in public and voluntary hospitals to date in 2016. Deputy Billy Kelleher tabled those questions. It is striking that there have been more than 5,500 cancellations of operations in the first six months of the year. It is illustrative of the runaway train waiting lists in public and voluntary hospitals have become during the past two years. It points to the urgency required on the part of the Government to establish and ring-fence substantial funding for the National Treatment Purchase Fund to reduce waiting lists and times for operations and avoid cancellations. Although the former Minister was setting his face against the initiative, it is very important that an urgent intervention be made to stop the runaway train that is waiting lists and times. It is part of the programme for Government.

There was also a commitment in the programme for Government to increase the funding for home care packages and home helps every year. Although it was included in the last programme for Government, we all know that they were cut. We must be careful about what a programme for Government states, given that they can be fictional at times. There is concern among constituents that a cap has been put on the number of home helps. Will the Tánaiste bring clarity to the issue for me? Is she aware if there is a cap on home help hours or home care packages? Will she ask the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, to come back to us on the issue? It flies in the face of a commitment in the programme for Government to increase the funding for home care packages and home helps.

The Protected Disclosures Act provides that public bodies such as Departments, local authorities and certain other publicly funded bodies are obliged to establish and maintain procedures for the making of protected disclosures by workers who are or were employed by them and for dealing with such disclosures. Public bodies must provide their employees with written information on these procedures. They must also publish an annual report setting out the numbers of protected disclosures made to them and the action taken. Will the Tánaiste outline whether her Department or An Garda Síochána have published their annual reports and, if not, when she expects to receive them?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Chief Whip has informed me that the election of Leas-Cheann Comhairle was never on the Order Paper for this week and that the timeline has been extended.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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There will hardly be any new nomination, will there?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Micheál Martin raised the issue of waiting lists. In the programme for Government there is a very strong commitment to making a sustained effort to improve waiting times for patients, with a particular focus on those who have been waiting the longest. The Deputy mentioned the National Treatment Purchase Fund, in which he has a particular interest. There is a commitment to deliver €50 million in 2017 to address waiting lists. The Department is also engaging with the National Treatment Purchase Fund and the HSE in planning a dedicated waiting list initiative which will be rolled out this year. It will be of some benefit to those who have been waiting the longest and will be targeted. Over 60% of patients on waiting lists wait less than six months for their required care, while 94% wait less than the maximum waiting time of 15 months.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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That is an invented time. I do not accept it.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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That is of no consolation to the individual who needs a particular operation. Having improved waiting times for scheduled or planned care for patients is a priority. Action was taken by the former Minister, Deputy Leo Varadkar, to deal with the matter. Among the initiatives taken by him were the provisiln of an extra €51 million in 2015 to reduce maximum waiting times. It was an important initiative. The end of 2015 result showed a 95% improvement in inpatient and day case waiting lists and an improvement of 93% in outpatient waiting lists. The extra money invested has helped to improve and reduce waiting times and it is important that we recognise this progress. We are committed to dealing with the issue and, as resources become available, they will be invested to reduce waiting times.

The Deputy asked about home care packages. Although there was a cap for a period, funding was increased in recent years as resources allowed and the economy recovered. We all recognise the major importance of developing investment and being able to provide for further investment in home care packages. I hope the decision the HSE took yesterday to reduce the cost of prescription medicines will release some resources that can be invested in services such as home care packages.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I may have missed it, but did the Tánaiste respond on the issue of the election of the Leas-Cheann Comhairle?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Yes.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Gabh mo leithscéal.

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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She did not explain why.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I asked the Tánaiste for an explanation as to why the notice went out on Thursday and why it was withdrawn.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Was it to allow for another nominee? What is the purpose?

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I would like the Tánaiste to answer at least one question today. I have questions on the health information and patient safety Bill, the replacement for the mobility allowance scheme and the motorised transport grants and the Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill. The health information and patient safety Bill was part of what the previous Government claimed to be the cornerstone of a new health system. The delayed HSE report for February revealed that 2,700 patients aged over 75 years had spent longer than 24 hours on trolleys. Yesterday there were 321 patients on trolleys, with the number in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in my constituency among the highest. The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, INMO, reported that in March 9,381 patients were on trolleys, an increase on the figure for last year and double the figure for March 2008. The health information and patient safety Bill has faced significant delays.

When will it be published?

On the issue of the mobility allowance scheme and the motorised transport grants, in February 2013, the Government scrapped them and since then I have been on my feet constantly asking when the alternative will be put forward. We must remember these were scrapped on the back of a recommendation from the Ombudsman for the scope of these schemes to be widened but rather than widen them, the Government got rid of them. The Minister of State at the Department of Health at the time, Kathleen Lynch, acknowledged it was because it would cost too much. Almost four years later, the new programme for Government is again promising new legislation for a new mobility scheme to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. It failed to do it during the previous term, so when will this legislation be published?

The immigration and residency reform Bill is also promised in the programme for Government. It commits to implementing the recommendations of the McMahon report on direct provision. That was in the draft programme but it was removed from the actual programme. That is a very serious decision. The McMahon report made 173 recommendations. Mr. Justice McMahon described the refusal to allow asylum seekers the right to access the labour market as absolutely heartbreaking and immoral. He also urged an amnesty for those who have been in this country for more than five years. I visited the direct provision centre in Mosney several times. Some children have spent their entire lives in what is a slightly tarted up version of Long Kesh, and whatever about the benevolent attitude of the management and so on, it is not right or fair that families should be detained there for so long. Will the Tánaiste consider a once-off amnesty? Will she reinstate the commitment to the McMahon report in the programme for Government, and when will she publish the immigration and residency reform Bill?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call the Tánaiste. She might clarify the Leas-Cheann Comhairle issue.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I understand it was not discussed at the Whips meeting. It was never on the Order Paper and the Chief Whip asked for an extension.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Why?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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She asked for an extension. It was not on the Order Paper and it was not discussed at the Whips meeting.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Could more people be nominated now?

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, please desist.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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The Minister has to answer that.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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It was never on the Order Paper, so the Chief Whip has asked for an extension and she will discuss it.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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What part of a deadline does the Government not understand?

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Does the Deputy want to put forward his name?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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It was never on the Order Paper, so it is entirely appropriate for her to ask for an extension if she so sought it.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Everybody was told the nominations had to be in by 5 p.m. last Friday.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The health information and safety legislation is being drafted. I made the point yesterday that given that the Government is only in place for a short period, there will be discussions between each Department and each Minister with the Taoiseach in the coming week to discuss the priority legislation and that will then be shared and discussed in the House. The priorities from each of the Departments and the legislation we hope to get through in this Dáil term will be published. I am informed the legislation raised by the Deputy is being drafted at present.

On the mobility scheme, work is being done in the Department of Health on a new scheme and that will also require legislation. I can confirm there is no change in the Government policy in implementing the recommendations of the McMahon report. Many of the recommendations have already been implemented. There has been an acceleration in the pace of decision-making with respect to those who have been in direct provision for more than five years. The numbers have gone down substantially. A decision was taken by the previous Government to increase the money made available for children and for access to third level education. Those were some of the serious recommendations in the report. Work is ongoing on implementing the recommendations and I intend to soon again meet members of the working party to review progress. I held a number of meetings with them during the course of last year to discuss the implementation of the recommendations. The change the Deputy described between the draft programme and the programme is not significant. We remain committed to what we said at the time regarding the implementation of those recommendations.

On the residency Bill, the Deputy will recall that the protection legislation was passed by this House last year. It was decided to separate it from the larger immigration and residency Bill. Given of the scale of that Bill, it had not been implemented by successive Ministers down the years and we decided it was important to bring forward the protection legislation. That was brought separately to this House and passed but work is ongoing on the broader Bill.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Bruton.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Taoiseach attended the Kennedy centre in Washington yesterday for the opening of Ireland 100, a major festival of the Irish Arts, which I believe will be enormously successful but while he was quite properly attending those celebrations, it is a little incongruous that at home there is widespread concern in the arts committee at the downgrading and lack of commitment in the programme for Government to the critical role of the arts and culture in modern Ireland. We have a new Department which is called the Department of Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht. The commitments in the programme for Government to the arts are very vague and it has very few costings. Will the Government provide for a debate on the important role of arts and culture both at home and abroad and on what the programme for Government means in terms of funding for the arts in Ireland? It is our calling card when we go abroad and it is tremendously important for us at home as well. When the appointments of Ministers of State are announced, which I believe will happen by the weekend, will there be a dedicated Minister of State for the arts to underlie the significance and importance of the sector?

My second question about the programme for Government is a simple one. Who is the Minister for the environment? I note from reading the programme for Government that we have a Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and a Department of Communications and Climate Change but we no longer seem to have a Minister who deals with the environment. That particular job seems to have gone AWOL from the programme for Government.

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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The last one was AWOL.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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It is critical in terms of how we live our lives in this country that there should be a Minister for the environment. Can the Tánaiste tell us who is the Minister for the environment? Could the word "environment" be reinstated in the title of the Department? Would that require legislation? It is absolutely important that we are clear on this. It is very good to have a Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government but we actually need a Minister for the environment.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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On the Deputy's question about the arts, I want to reiterate the central role of the arts and the fact the Government remains fully committed to supporting the arts, culture and heritage sectors. I agree entirely with what she has to say about the contribution of the arts to our economy and to our international reputation. The reconfiguration of the Department of the arts and the wider responsibility in regard to rural affairs does not represent in any way a downgrading of the arts, and I want to be very clear about that. The programme for Government contains a number of commitments to the arts, including a specific commitment to progressively increase funding for the arts, including for the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board, as the economy grows. As the Deputy is well aware, the outgoing Government was very committed to the arts and made a number of very significant capital investments in the arts, including an investment of €30 million at the National Gallery, an €8 million expansion project at the National Archives and a €10 million renovation project, which has been long awaited, will get under way at the National Library. It should be noted that the investment in the National Gallery was given at a time when the public finances were still in a very fragile state.

Funding for the Arts Council, the Irish Film Board and the national cultural institutions has been increased over the last two years. It is worth noting that the investment in the arts has continued and increased as the economy has improved. A great deal of work has been done on drafting the first ever national cultural policy, Culture 2025, which the Minister, Deputy Heather Humphreys, hopes to publish shortly. It will be a boost to the arts community in that there will be a very well laid out arts strategy following a great deal of consultation. Importantly, there will also be a new investment programme for regional arts centres which will amount to €18 million over the next six years. That will make a significant contribution to the provision of arts in the community at local and regional level.

On the Deputy's question on Ministers of State, that is a decision for the Taoiseach which I understand will be made later this week. I have no doubt the priority the Government gives to the arts will be reflected in those appointments.

On the Deputy's question on the environment, the areas of climate change, air quality, the EPA and waste management are now the responsibility of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Denis Naughton, while the other areas of housing, planning and so on remain with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Simon Coveney.

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Where is the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government?

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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A very significant and alarming event took place yesterday in County Antrim where the oil extraction company Infrastrata began test drilling on land owned, interestingly enough, by Northern Ireland Water. Three reservoirs have already been closed down. While Northern Ireland Water and the company claim there is no danger to the water, they have had to close three reservoirs. They started the test drilling without planning, without environmental assessment and without any consultation. While it is a different jurisdiction, this has very significant consequences for down here. It opens the door to and sets a precedent for test drilling which is part of the process of commencing actual hydraulic fracking. It involves drilling into the ground using chemicals in a way that can damage the water table. Friends of the Earth and our own public representative recently elected in Belfast have been up campaigning about this. There is great concern about it. It has serious implications.

My question to the Tánaiste is on the moratorium, which is in essence an informal arrangement, and any intention of the Government. There is nothing to stop oil companies test drilling in this way and, if one likes, commencing the process of hydraulic fracking. Given the commitment of the Government and Members on all sides of the House to deal with the imminent possibility of runaway climate change, there is no place whatsoever anywhere on this island for hydraulic fracking. That message must be sent out and enshrined in legislation. I brought before the House just before the dissolution of the last Dáil a Bill which was written by Friends of the Earth and An Taisce looking for a complete ban and prohibition on hydraulic fracking. The issue of fracking is not mentioned at all in the legislative programme. Is there any intention on the part of the Government to move towards a decision to ban fracking? When will we see the EPA report on fracking, which I believe has already been discredited on foot of the way it was conducted, and discuss it here? Most importantly, are we going to have legislation or is the Government willing to take the Bill I introduced in the last Dáil on board to allow us to discuss legislation here? If we are serious about tackling climate change, I hope there will be agreement around the House on the urgent necessity on foot of what is happening in the North to send out a clear signal that hydraulic fracking is not acceptable.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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This is obviously something that has happened in a different jurisdiction and it does not set a precedent for us here. Certainly, our position on fracking was made clear by the last Government and that remains the case. I understand there are no plans for legislation right now. The Minister has not yet received the EPA report the Deputy mentioned and there are many environmental considerations which will have to be discussed. There are no plans to change the current situation on licenses for fracking.

Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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It is an urgent matter.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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On a point of order, this is very serious.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy cannot raise a point of order on the Order of Business.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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We already asked the Tánaiste a question and the answer was completely inadequate. A deadline was set regarding the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle. As such, how does the Government Chief Whip justify extending it? We must be very clear about this. The Ceann Comhairle was elected in a different way and we all welcomed that the Members of the House had a say individually in that regard. Now, we have a situation where a deadline of last Friday was set with regard to the submission of nominations for the position of Leas-Cheann Comhairle. How can the Government Chief Whip justify extending that? What is the purpose? I have a clear question. Is it to allow further nominations to be submitted? Did the Government submit a nomination? Is it to facilitate Fine Gael that the time is being extended because it missed the deadline and wants to submit a nominee? That is totally wrong. This is not a good way to start politics. We all came into this in good faith and this is gerrymandering of the worst type. If a farmer in Kerry is late putting in an application for something, a deadline cannot be extended. The Government's answer when it misses the boat is to extend the deadline and push it out to facilitate itself. If I see the Government putting in a nominee, that will be a dirty start to its work. If it is going to do that, it is disgraceful and the people of Ireland will look very badly upon it. I take this very seriously. What the Government is doing is wrong. The other leaders who spoke today were not strong enough with the Government on this issue because what it is doing is a disgrace and people will not like the Government for it.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Deadlines are discussed at the Whip's office frequently and changed and adapted for a variety of reasons. This was never on the Order Paper and was not discussed at the Whips' meeting. The Chief Whip asked for an extension and it was granted by the Ceann Comhairle. That is the sequence of events, I understand.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Is it not?

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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That is not true.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please resume your seat Deputy Healy-Rae and we will clarify that.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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That is taking the Ceann Comhairle's integrity into doubt and I will not let that happen here.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will clarify the matter.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I am defending you, a Cheann Comhairle.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Well thank you very much, but I will defend myself.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I know you are able to defend yourself, but I will be shoulder to shoulder with you.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Thank you.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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This is a disgrace.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will you please resume your seat?

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Take that back, Tánaiste.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Will you please resume your seat? I make it absolutely clear that I had no discussions with anybody about the extension of the time; no discussions whatsoever with anybody.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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My apologies, a Cheann Comhairle. I was led to understand that your office - perhaps it was not personal - had been contacted and the extension was agreed. That is the understanding of the Whip. If that is not accurate, I withdraw it.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Let us seek after the meeting here to get absolute clarity.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Absolutely. I am sure the House would appreciate that.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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You are mistaken in both respects, I put it to you.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Yes.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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The point-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, we need to move on.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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To be fair, this is an important point.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Yes, but we must move on.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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With the Ceann Comhairle's indulgence-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, I am not-----

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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I must make this point.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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The Ceann Comhairle is not indulgent.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Let the record state that the Government did not put forward a nominee for the position. That is a fact.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Yet.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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The Government missed the deadline and is extending it now to put forward a nominee. Let the public know that this is why it is doing this.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, please.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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The Chief Whip failed to make the deadline, so the Government's answer is that there is no problem and that it will extend the deadline to facilitate itself. That is a disgrace and I hope that everyone in Ireland sees it for what it is.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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If I may make it clear, the election of a Leas-Cheann Comhairle is a piece of business to be done in Government time. It is not a matter for the Ceann Comhairle to decide when or how it is transacted.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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That is no good.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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It is a matter for the Government to order the business, not the Ceann Comhairle or anyone else. Does the Tánaiste wish to say anything else?

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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Obviously, I would correct what I said in relation to the Ceann Comhairle's office. That was my understanding. This was never on the Order Paper and was not discussed by the Whips. I think that the points that are being made are not actually relevant-----

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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They are relevant.

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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-----because it had not been discussed or put on the Order Paper.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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The deadline went by.