I wish to put a question to the Minister for Finance, but I should like to refer to him as the acting Taoiseach this morning, to give him his hour of glory.
Order of Business (Resumed).
Our Standing Orders ordain that Members shall be referred to by their appropriate title.
I ask the Minister for Finance if, in view of the European Court's decision on the rights of single fathers in relation to adoption, it is proposed to bring forward legislation to deal with this matter.
Is legislation promised in this area?
There is no promised legislation on this matter.
Will the Minister for Finance indicate if details of the National Plan have been agreed with the Commission in Brussels and if it will be published before 9 June?
Strictly speaking, that matter is not in order now.
It has been dealt with on a number of occasions by the Taoiseach. About six weeks ago he said he hoped to have it finalised in three weeks. I have given him three weeks leeway, so perhaps the Minister for Finance, who is the Minister responsible, could tell me.
Can we assist the Deputy by relating this to promised legislation of any kind?
I cannot, but I will try to assist the Deputy. This matter has been finalised from the Government's point of view. It is back with the Commission and I understand it will discuss it shortly.
Will the Minister confirm if the Government is considering proposals to ringfence Dublin in terms of eligibility for Structural Funds and, if so, will he agree that is extraordinary as Dublin has the highest level of unemployment and poverty?
Did I hear a door lock?
Did the Minister hear a door open?
Or did I hear a door close?
I would like to facilitate the Deputy, but the matter to which he has referred is not in accordance with our procedure at this time.
On promised legislation, notwithstanding Articles 15.6.1 and 15.6.2 of the Constitution and sections 15 (1), 15 (2), 15 (3) and 27 (2) of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939, will the Minister for Finance indicate if the promised Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will include sections to deal with alleged shortcomings in provisions to deal with the drillings of subversives?
The Deputy need not elaborate on that now.
I suggest Deputy Mitchell should raise those questions when the Bill is published.
On promised legislation, will the Minister for Finance indicate when the Juvenile Justice Bill will be brought before the House? It is two years ago this week since the select all party committee put together a programme and published a report on juvenile justice. In the meantime the level of juvenile crime has risen substantially.
The Deputy has asked a question about the legislation promised and that should be sufficient.
Failure to publish this Bill is a scandalous abdication of duty.
The Deputy may not make a speech now.
The Government is conscious of the importance of the legislation.
It has been conscious of it for two years.
The Deputy asked a question and she should listen to the answer.
Considerable work has been completed on the legislation.
The work was completed by the committee.
The Government will introduce legislation hopefully in the next session. Certainly it will not be introduced this session.
I have heard that on five previous occasions.
It is a pity Deputy Cox is over 18.
That is a smart alec remark one would expect from juveniles in first year.
I thought when the Taoiseach was away his dogs would——
I welcome Deputy McDowell back to the House.
(Interruptions.)
Deputy Harte is in possession now.
Thank you, Sir, for your protection. On promised legislation, will the Minister for the Environment clarify the position on urban renewal for Buncrana? His backbench Deputies said he gave a commitment but his Department officials said he did not.
That is a good question. The Deputy should table a question for Question Time.
His backbench Deputies said he gave such a commitment but his Department officials say he did not.
Deputy Harte, please desist and resume your seat.
I will be pleased to resume my seat if the Minister replies.
If the matter is so important the Deputy should deal with it in the proper manner by way of question or motion.
There is no better way to seek a reply than to ask the Minister directly to clarify the position.
It is not in order now to do so.
Did the Minister give a commitment?
Deputy Harte may not ignore the Chair. He will resume his seat.
I would resume it more willingly if the Minister clarified the position.
It is not in order now and the Deputy knows that.
I am not sure if the question I wish to ask is in order but I am sure you will clarify that quickly.
Thank you, Deputy, for the advance notice.
Does the Government intend to clarify the roles and responsibilities of chairmen of semi-State organisations in view of the extreme concern expressed about the VHI?
That is not in order now.
I am sure, Sir, you will find me totally in order.
That is heartening and I hope it transpires to be true.
I compliment the Government because at last it has made a wise decision in appointing a west Cork man as Deputy Garda Commissioner. I wish him every success in his new post.