Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I wish to request a number of debates. My first query relates to the status of the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill which is on our programme for later in the month. I refer to a clause in that Bill which is causing a number of tenants leasing commercial properties to be forced out of those properties because the landlords are claiming the powers of the tenants under the proposed legislation will be great. A business in my constituency which provides a very valuable service to a small local community is gradually being strangled because this legislation has not yet become law. I would be grateful if the Leader could give me an update on that matter and do all he can to bring the Bill before the House.

I had the privilege earlier in the week of touring the Dublin docklands area, most of which is within my constituency. The development and innovation there is extraordinary. I support earlier calls for a debate on financial regulation. Most of the innovative businesses providing employment in that part of our city are not covered by domestic financial regulation. We have seen recently in other countries the gaps in the governance of this area and the huge economic impact, particularly in America. We would be well placed to debate that issue, discuss what gaps there are in that legislation and see if there is anything we can do about it.

There is a need for a debate on the groceries order. Prior to my entry into the Oireachtas, I spent ten years working in the grocery business and am very familiar with the debate on the abolition of the groceries order and the impact it will have on our economy and society. Two points merit reinforcement. It always has been illegal for a manufacturer to be asked to pay for shelf space or listing.