Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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It was agreed in the House some months ago that there would be a commission of investigation into Project Eagle. It is many months ago at this stage since all parties met and agreed the framework of the terms of reference. It is being hinted, based on commentary by the Minister for Finance, that there may be some resiling from that or some resistance to the idea of a commission of investigation into Project Eagle. We are reading in the newspapers accounts of a draft report of the Committee of Public Accounts. It is important that the Taoiseach would confirm when the terms of reference for the commission of inquiry into Project Eagle will be brought before the House for debate and agreement.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We agreed to a commission of investigation into Project Eagle. We also agreed that it would be appropriate to wait until the Committee of Public Accounts report was produced. That has not been forthcoming to date but I understand it will be produced. Following production and examination of that report we can consider what in terms of its findings would be appropriate to include in the terms of reference. That matter will need to be considered following receipt of the Committee of Public Accounts report, as pointed out already by the Minister for Finance.

A decision was made to hold a commission of investigation but we think it only right and proper that we should await receipt of the full report of the Committee of Public Accounts in that regard.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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The consequences of Brexit for the island of Ireland and for all the people of this island will be far-reaching. Last week, the Taoiseach said he intended to bring a memo to Cabinet on the implications of Brexit and also that he would make a statement on Brexit today. Will the Taoiseach confirm if he brought a memo to Cabinet and, if so, will it be published? The British Government published its White Paper two weeks ago. Does the Taoiseach's memo reference a commitment by the Government to produce a White Paper on Brexit that would set out the Government's overall strategic approach to negotiations and economic, trade, political and other objectives and will it spell out how the Government plans to defend the Good Friday Agreement and the democratic vote of the citizens in the North to remain within the European Union?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy Adams for his questions. I brought a memo on Brexit to Government on Tuesday, which took into account all previous and ongoing work in relation to Brexit, including the determination of priorities in the context of the work that is under way such that negotiations can commence properly once Article 50 is triggered. I intend to make a statement on Brexit later this afternoon. The Deputy will be aware that the second all-island forum takes place this Friday. It will provide an opportunity for people to react to today's debate and to put forward additional proposals in regard to the drafting of our final plan in respect of the work we have to do when negotiations commence. I will publish the memo and the statement I will make later today. I look forward to hearing Deputy Adams's contribution at the all-island forum here in Dublin.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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As is now known, the terms of reference for a tribunal of inquiry are to be finalised in the coming days. I have been contacted by the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality seeking input into the terms of reference. I am sure the leaders of all other parties have also been contacted. In regard to the formulation of the terms of reference, the Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2015 provides a distinct role for the Policing Authority in all these matters. In the light of recent developments, has the Taoiseach sought from the Policing Authority its view on current oversight of policing and, if not, will he seek the views of that authority on these matters in advance of the debate next week?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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No such view has been sought but I will see that it is, following which I will advise the House.

Catherine Connolly (Galway West, Independent)
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On DEIS, no new school has been admitted to DEIS since 2009, the reason being the promised review. That review was published this week, which I welcome. However, how could anyone have faith in that review when a school in Galway, in respect of which 85% of the pupils' parents are non-Irish and unemployment or low paid work in the area stands at 75%, has not been designated a DEIS school under the new programme? Perhaps the Taoiseach or the Minister, Deputy Bruton, would clarify the situation and respond to my question of how anybody can have faith in a process that allows that to happen.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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I want to raise with the Taoiseach the consequences of the roll-out of the DEIS programme this week without the necessary supports in place to meet schools needs. I am calling on the Taoiseach to order a full and urgent review of the new DEIS programme to ensure that such schools do not suffer the mistakes of the Department of Education and Skills and to ensure transparency. Five schools in Tipperary town and one school in Fethard in my area were excluded from the programme without any explanation, which has left the teachers, pupils and parents speechless and dumbfounded. These schools were excluded from the programme six years ago and had expected to be included this time around. An appeals system must be put in place for the schools affected.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The system for selecting schools is based on the census returns, which means officials are using the best data available from the CSO on the socioeconomic make-up of the schools concerned. For the first time we have been in a position to add 80 new schools to the 800 plus schools now in the disadvantaged category. In addition, we are upgrading a further 30 schools in terms of the provision of high levels of support. There will always be schools that are just outside of any criteria that is set.

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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Inexplicable.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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We are providing significant support and we intend to evolve and refine this model so that there will be opportunities for schools to be considered in the future. This is an evolving model. This is the first time we have been in a position to add to the number of schools and we have done so on a fair and objective basis-----

Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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Neither.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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-----based on CSO data which is the best material available to us.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The European Commission has referred Ireland to the European Court of Justice for breach of the water framework directive on the basis that in various places across the country raw sewage is being pumped into our rivers, streams and lakes. Will the Government defend that case and how is it proposed to fund the measures which would avert that problem? Was the Government aware of the likelihood that a case would be taken and what actions, legislative or otherwise, will it take to avoid it losing the case in the European Court of Justice and facing a significant fine?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have often pointed out in the past just how far behind we are in this regard, with raw sewage being pumped into lakes, rivers and streams in many locations around the country. It is fair to say there has been an improvement in the last few years and progress is being made in this regard. The Deputy will be aware of the special committee of the Oireachtas set up to deal with water and wastewater. It will be able to provide the Deputy with the up-to-date figures on expenditure under the capital programme for the provision of water treatment facilities around the country.

The Government will explain to the European Commission the progress that is being made, with a timeline for improvement. That was started under many Ministers responsible for the environment and continues apace. Good progress has been made.

I look forward to the report from the Oireachtas committee dealing with wastewater. The Government will defend its case to the European Commission on the progress being made given the economic constraints. The Minister for Finance has pointed out the opportunities that may well exist in respect of other pieces of infrastructure, arising, for instance, from the European Investment Bank if it can be determined that income streams would be available from the infrastructure involved to pay for the long-term, low-interest loans.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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It is reported this week that children will be sent home from schools because of a severe shortage of substitute teachers. There are high emigration levels among newly qualified national school teachers, who are lured by secure jobs and tax-free salaries in the Middle East in countries such as Dubai. This week, there are only 30 standing teachers available nationwide each day to cover absences across the country's 3,300 schools. According to the INTO, it takes up to 800 such substitutes to cover the country. We have some of the brightest teachers qualifying in our colleges but the Government offers them no encouragement to stay. What will the Government do to help address this very serious matter?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I ask the Minister for Education and Skills to respond.

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I am glad to be in a position to tell the Deputy that we recruited this September 2,300 additional teachers and plan to recruit 2,400 additional teachers this coming September. Therefore, we are in a phase of expanding significantly the number of people employed in the teacher workforce. As the Deputy knows, with the INTO and TUI we have agreed a significant improvement in the pay and conditions for young teachers starting. A young teacher will see an increase of up to 15% in his or her starting pay, up to €35,600, and a teacher recruited last September will see an increase up to €37,500. Therefore, there are significant improvements. I acknowledge schools face difficulties in finding substitutes. That is a continuing problem but it arises against a background in which we are employing substantially more teachers each year. A study of teacher supply is currently being carried out to ensure we will be in a position to meet the growing demands.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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I wish to raise with the Taoiseach the clear need for him to give a definite commitment on the establishment of a commission of investigation into NAMA's Project Eagle loan sale. He said in his response to Teachta Martin that he is awaiting the report of the Committee of Public Accounts. He knows that committee was not allowed to, could not and did not examine allegations of criminality or corruption. These allegations can be dealt with only by establishing a commission of investigation into the loan sale. The Taoiseach should stop conflating the issues and give this side of the House a clear commitment and follow through on a commitment he gave previously to party leaders that he will establish a full commission of investigation to examine the allegations of corruption made in regard to the loan sale.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I met the party leaders in September in respect of this matter. I subsequently received a number of submissions from them on the matter. We met again on 4 October. It was agreed in principle to establish a commission of investigation under the Act of 2004 to investigate significant matters of public concern in respect of NAMA. This will be based on terms of reference providing for the sale Project Eagle to be investigated in the first module. At the meetings, the party leaders acknowledged that there would be significant limitations on the commission's work given the location of potential witnesses or documentation outside the jurisdiction, in addition to ongoing criminal investigations, of which the Deputy is well aware, and the likely cost of a commission of investigation. Subsequent to the meetings, the Committee of Public Accounts held quite extensive hearings during the autumn on the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General. It heard from NAMA itself and many other key witnesses. We agreed that it would be appropriate to wait until the Committee of Public Accounts produces its report and consider how best the findings might be incorporated into the terms of reference of the commission of investigation.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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As the Taoiseach knows, Tesco workers are out on strike. Workers' rights are under attack. With existing agreements and contracts, attempts are being made to change and undermine them. Workers have been forced to fight back and protect their rights. The strike is about union-breaking and, if not won, it will lead to a race to the bottom. Sinn Féin is bringing forward a Bill, the Industrial Relations (Right to Access) (Amendment) Bill. Will the Taoiseach support it? Does he support workers' rights? Does he support people's right to be in a union? The Taoiseach has long said he is a supporter of the Haddington Road agreement. If so, will he not call on others to stick by their agreements?

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Yesterday evening, I met a number of the workers protesting and picketing outside the Tesco branch of Longford. It is one of the eight shops out on strike. Although there are only 250 staff out of a workforce of over 10,000 affected by the savage cuts to terms and conditions, 100% of the employees in Longford went out in solidarity with their colleagues.

The Taoiseach's programme for Government gives a commitment to protect employees' rights. What is the Government's intention to ensure the rights of the workers in Tesco, albeit a small minority? How does the Taoiseach intend to ensure their rights are protected into the future?

Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach has a fantastic opportunity, just given to him by Deputy Dessie Ellis, to send a message of solidarity to the workers in Tesco. His silence on this will speak volumes to the workers. They have been treated disgracefully. They deserve the solidarity of this House.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I do support workers' rights and the right of workers to join trade unions. I hope this matter can be resolved. I heard some comment on the public airways about the nature of the strike and the issues that are at stake. I understand unions and management worked with the WRC and Labour Court. Both sides worked in this regard and there was no agreement. Clearly, this matter can be resolved successfully only in the same way as all other such matters, namely, by using the machinery of the State in negotiations.

David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach should support our Bill.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I hope that applies in the case of the Tesco workers. I can fully understand that while the number outside Longford or any other premises might not include all the workforce, support always exists because those on strike are acquaintances, colleagues and friends. Let us hope this matter can be discussed rationally and that the differences, whatever they are, can be settled so the staff can get back to work.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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Over €900 million has been added to the health budget again this year. People are languishing on trolleys, however, and waiting in accident and emergency units, and the number on trolleys has not reduced. The Taoiseach visited Cork University Hospital last Monday evening. Before his arrival, many trolleys were wheeled out of the accident and emergency unit into various wards. The usual number was two to each ward. Why did that happen? Who is accountable? Who are those concerned trying to fool? Were they trying to cod the Taoiseach? Were they afraid of the Taoiseach? What will he do about it? Managers, as we found out during last Thursday's debate, are not accountable to the Minister for Health. I ask the Taoiseach to change the system and make them accountable. If elected representatives in the House cannot do something for the people who elect us, we should not be here at all. Managers need to be brought to account. I am asking the Taoiseach to do just that. What was done in Cork last Monday evening was shameful.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I also went to see the works done at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, to which the Government is contributing €30 million. Those concerned are getting ready for the Kerry people on 3 July this year. They will have a brand-new stadium and it will be an occasion of great excitement.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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The people on trolleys do not have much interest in Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I was in Cork University Hospital last week.

The purpose of my visit to Cork University Hospital was to open the new paediatric unit stage 1 - a fabulous building, wonderfully laid out, with brilliant colours and brightness for children who will be there; a cystic fibrosis unit; a unit to deal with diabetes; and so many other treatment rooms of a world-class standard. I was not near the accident and emergency unit. I have no knowledge of what the Deputy is saying about trolleys being wheeled out. There was quite a big crowd there that was very enthusiastic. I might say that they are looking forward to getting a contribution from Government for phase 2 of the development, with which they will be ready to go shortly, and I said to them that it would be included as part of the review of the capital programme in due course. As to the area that I was in, there are first class, wonderful facilities - long overdue, indeed - for the staff and the nurses and the children who will be in that unit.

I will investigate the Deputy's claim about trolleys being moved. They certainly were not moved for me.

Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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It is no laughing matter.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Speaking on health issues, the new children's hospital establishment Bill is promised legislation. What progress has there been and what is the hospital project's state of development?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We are expecting the heads of that Bill a little later on, but I think that everything is on target for commencement of the actual building. I understand that some pre-clearance works are being done. Clearly, the Minister will bring a business memo to Government in respect of the funding and the costing and the arrangements to pay for the national children's hospital. This, however, is something that we must do. It begun, indeed, during Deputy Howlin's exemplary time as a Minister. It will be the single biggest piece of health and medical infrastructure in the history of the State and will serve the children of the island for the next 50 years.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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Look at the costs.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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With the Ceann Comhairle's indulgence, I will ask the Taoiseach to recall the minutes of the meeting to which he referred at which he said that, although there was agreement in principle to set up a commission, it was also agreed that it would not be appropriate to do so until the Committee of Public Accounts had reported. I have asked for a record of that meeting to be sent to us. The record clearly states at point No. 3 that steps to establish a commission will be taken immediately and before the Committee of Public Accounts completes its report. Will the Taoiseach reflect on this, examine his own records and correct the record of the House if needs be? There may have been an arrangement between the Government and Fianna Fáil, but that would have been in breach of what was agreed at the previous meeting.

I have raised the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005 with the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Deputy Fitzgerald, and her predecessor, Alan Shatter. As the Taoiseach knows, this legislation dates back to 2005. We have had it on our Order Paper since then. It has been before these Houses for 12 years. Given the fact that we are going to establish a tribunal of inquiry, I am sure that the Taoiseach is well aware of the reason that this legislation exists. We have identified flaws in it that can easily be rectified.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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I thank the Deputy, but he has gone over time.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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With the Ceann Comhairle's indulgence, this is about ensuring that, for example, no public relations company-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot get into a debate on the legislation.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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-----employed by a witness before a tribunal can be paid from the public purse. It is about ensuring that the Minister can set regulations-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy's time is up.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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-----as to how much in legal fees can be paid. It is about allowing the judge to ensure-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, please. The time is up.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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-----that an individual cannot be represented by seven, eight or nine senior counsels. It is a recognition that the existing-----

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Has the Deputy difficulty hearing me? The time is up.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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I will finish on this. The existing legislation is flawed.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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Please, resume your seat. The time is up. It is manifestly unfair to take time from your colleagues - other Members - who wish to pose questions. Resume your seat.

Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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What is the intention of the Government as regards the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill 2005?

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

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The minute the Deputy quoted from is correct and work was done following the meeting that we had where we agreed in principle that a commission of investigation should be set up into Project Eagle. Obviously, that work remains, but before that is completed and finalised, and as the Committee of Public Accounts had carried out extensive discussions and hearings, we thought it appropriate to wait until it produced a report to see if some of the findings from the Committee of Public Accounts should be fed into the commission of investigation's terms of reference.

In regard to the 2005 tribunal Bill, it has not made it back onto the Order Paper, the reason being that it is being looked at again. I am quite sure that the issues that Deputy Pearse Doherty raises - that his party has identified as being weaknesses in the structure - will also be taken into consideration there.

Fiona O'Loughlin (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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My question is on parts of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. It is of grave concern that the parts relating to the repeal of the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871 and the review of the wards of court provisions have yet to be commenced. This is particularly important, given Ireland's ambition to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and support those who wish to make a living will so as to ensure that, if they are unable to make their wishes known at a later time, they can do so now. We need to examine this matter urgently.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Bill that the Deputy referred to was enacted in 2015 and the disability Bill is awaiting Second Stage, as I understand it. We pointed out on a number of occasions that it would be necessary to put through a number of pieces of legislation before we could formally sign off on the ratification of the convention. I will advise the Deputy as to where the progress has been made. The Bill she referred to was enacted. Disability is another one of those elements that must be cleared by the Oireachtas before we can proceed to ratifying the convention.

Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Under the programme for Government, the Government introduced rent pressure zones as a means of attempting to curb, albeit in a limited way, the spiralling cost of rent. I do not know whether the Taoiseach has read the report published by Daft.ietwo days ago that identified County Louth as having seen the largest increase in rents in the State at more than 17%.

On top of the fact that almost 5,000 people are languishing on the housing list, many for longer than nine years, there is a chronic shortage of private rental accommodation. There are just 33 properties available for private rental at the moment. The bulk of those are unaffordable for most and the landlords of the remainder will not accept the housing assistance payment. In light of these facts, will the Taoiseach give a commitment to include Drogheda in the rent pressure zones?

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The report deals with new lettings and existing tenants are not affected. Obviously, the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government will keep this matter under continuous monitoring. As the Deputy is aware, he expanded the rent pressure zones substantially in the recent past. No doubt he will take into account the impact of new lettings in places like Drogheda on existing tenants and keep that under review. I thank the Deputy for raising the matter.

Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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The programme for Government placed quite an emphasis on treating all our children equally and looking after them, but there are 132 children in County Roscommon waiting to see a child psychologist. This is an increase of 127% since 2015. In response to a parliamentary question, the Minister for Health has opened a panel. Will the Taoiseach and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Zappone, address this issue urgently?

On top of that, Syrian immigrants will come to Ballaghaderreen in the first week of March. Among those 82 people will be 34 children and I am sure that, after what they have gone through, some will need this service.

We are facing a major crisis. I am making a personal plea to the Taoiseach and the Minister to look after this issue and ensure it is addressed. To be honest, one of the child psychologists went out sick last year and has not been replaced. That must be addressed as a matter of urgency.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I am not sure if the Deputy is raising the matter in respect of children who have an issue that needs to be attended to in terms of their school-going days, because the Minister for Education and Skills has changed the way that this is now done. It is much more effective and in the better interests of children.

In respect of the psychologist who retired-----

Eugene Murphy (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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All because of sickness.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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In respect of the Syrian children coming to Ballaghaderreen, I thank the Deputy and the community for their response to that. Clearly, the question of the replacement of the psychologist is one for the HSE. I will have the matter followed up both with the Minister for Health, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and the Minister for Education and Skills in respect of the 132 plus Syrian children who will arrive there.

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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I wish to raise with the Taoiseach the clear commitment in the programme for Government that wind farm regulation guidelines would be published in consultation with the public within three to six months. I understand there has been a European Court of Justice ruling which places an onus on the Government to inform the public in relation to energy policy. However, I now understand that the guidelines have been deferred again because of that ruling. In the meantime, corporations in my constituency in Offaly and in north Tipperary are being given a free run and that is not right. Citizens are not being listened to, which is another example of the Government treating citizens in rural areas as second class citizens. Their voice is not being heard and no respect is being shown to them. When will the public consultation commence and when will the guidelines be published? In the meantime, I call on the Taoiseach to take urgent action because it is incredibly unfair that a person can run the risk of having a wind turbine 500 m from his or her house. That is unacceptable.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I do not accept the Deputy's premise that people living in rural areas are treated as second class citizens.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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We have just published the major programme for realising the potential of rural Ireland which draws together all of the various programmes from the Common Agricultural Policy, local authorities and regional authorities to help everybody to be able to benefit from that. Part of the programme includes the direction from the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to have 135,000 jobs spread to the regions between now and 2020. An examination of what kind of country we will have in 20 years time is now being conducted by the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. There is public consultation about where major roads should be, growth in towns, where people will live and the kind of energy we will have, among other issues.

In respect of Deputy Nolan's point about wind turbines, this is still a matter that is being considered between the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government. I accept the Deputy's point that it is important that people's views are taken into account, but it is also important that there would be an effective, practical working arrangement. I hope that can be expedited.

The Deputy is aware the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, had an accident which resulted in him being laid up for some time. He is back in action again but it took a few weeks out of his schedule.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Ceann Comhairle)
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That concludes questions on promised legislation. My apologies to the four Deputies whose questions were not raised today. We will try to get them in tomorrow.