Vol. 431 No. 6
1 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Taoiseach the priorities and timescale for the fulfilment of the commitments set down in the Programme for a Partnership Government 1993-97 which have not been realised to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As I have already stated on several occasions in this House, the Programme for a Partnership Government, 1993-97 is a four year plus programme which the Government is committed to implementing over that period.
In the light of the figures published in today's newspapers showing that the PAYE sector contributed £2,700 million in tax, or 88 per cent of the total tax take, and in view of the fact that the Programme for Government contains a section entitled, "Taxation of Savings and Investments", was it envisaged in drawing up the programme that the controversial tax amnesty for hot money stashed abroad would be part of it?
The Deputy is going from the general to the particular. This is a general question on the Programme for a Partnership Government.
There is a specific section dealing with taxation of savings and investments abroad.
If the Deputy wants to raise specific matters——
It is a specific matter.
——he should do so by way of question.
It is a specific question in relation to this programme. Was it envisaged that this would be incorporated in it?
The Chair has already pointed out that this is a general question. If the Deputy wants to ask specific questions about the programme he should table a question to the appropriate Minister. He can be assured that the malfunctioning of Front Bench communications in Fine Gael does not occur on this side of the House.
Obviously the question is too hot to handle.
Order.
Will the Taoiseach pay attention to page 41 of the programme which promises legislation to deal with the problem of money laundering which is not an offence here at present? Can I have an assurance that this promise in the programme to create the offence of money laundering will be introduced in this House——
Money laundering does not arise.
——before the outrageous tax write-off that the Government is proposing?
Members will have ample time to discuss that aspect.
It is too controversial.
The question relates to priorities and timescale. Has the ethics in Government Bill slipped in terms of priority? Will the ceiling on contributions to political parties and politicians be installed before the legislation granting an amnesty——
The question on the Government Bill is in order, but the other miscellaneous matters the Deputy is raising are clearly not.
I am trying to establish if the ethics in Government Bill will be brought before the Bill to legalise an amnesty for tax cheats with the consequent danger of political parties benefiting from contributions as a result of that.
The Deputy may not get around that matter.
On a point of order, if the Taoiseach is not allowed by the Chair to answer questions about the specifics in the programme, what is he allowed to answer questions on?
Clearly, Deputy Bruton we cannot go into specifics on the Programme for a Partnership Government.
Why not? The programme consists of specifics.
That would give rise to considerable debate.
It consists of nothing but specifics. I want to know when will the Taoiseach introduce the legislation to deal with money laundering which is not a criminal offence here?
I am going on to the next question.
The Deputy should table a question.
My question was in order. You agreed it yourself, and the Taoiseach was going to answer it.
I did, yes. Does the Taoiseach wish to reply?
Yes. The ethics Bill is in the course of preparation. I said that here on a number of occasions.
What is the distinction between the ethics in Government Bill and a Bill on money laundering? Why can the Taoiseach not answer that question?
I am not aware of such a Bill, Deputy Bruton.
The Deputy should ask Ivan Yates.
Ethics has nothing to do with it.
In view of the fact that the section of the programme entitled, "Creating Jobs and Tackling Unemployment" contains a paragraph committing the Government to the further development and strengthening of a dynamic and efficient State enterprise sector and acknowledging the role State bodies will continue to play in the economic live of this country, it is now official Government policy as expressed by the Tánaiste last week——
Please Deputy Higgins, come to the point.
——that no further privatisation of any State companies will take place during the lifetime of this Government?
The Programme for Government states the position quite clearly and that will be adhered to by both parties in Government and by the Government.
The Taoiseach indicated that the ethics in Government Bill was in the course of preparation but the question specifically was as to what priority it is now being given. Can the Taoiseach indicate to the House when it will be introduced, and if it will be introduced and completed before the House rises in July?
The question is in order.
It will be introduced as soon as it is ready. It has not come to Government yet.
Would the Taoiseach say whether it is still the intention of Government to restore public accountability, transparency and trust to ensure the highest standards in public life? Would he say how that squares with the introduction of a tax write-off for those who have broken the law?
There will be ample time to discuss taxation in the Finance Bill coming before the House shortly.
Hypocritical amendments do not add to the type of standards about which the Deputy spoke.
(Limerick East): I have noticed that both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste, in reference to policy matters, argue on the basis of whether provision for this tax write-off is contained within the Programme for Government. Would the Taoiseach inform the House whether there has been any procedure agreed between the Government parties to deal with important policy matters which arise and are not contained within the Programme for Government?
The Government deals with those as a matter of course as they arise throughout the term of Government.
