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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 1

Order of Business.

It is proposed to take No. 6. Private Members' Business shall be No. 2.

Will the Taoiseach agree that the increase in Allied Irish Bank's profits of 26 per cent or £341 million, for which it is to be congratulated, puts a serious question mark over the justice of reducing its tax bill in last week's budget, particularly in view of the small increase to social welfare recipients? Will the Taoiseach confirm this is the Government's idea of redistributing wealth?

This is scarcely a matter for the Order of Business.

Last week I asked the Taoiseach if he would agree to meet with Opposition leaders to brief us about developments in regard to the framework document but he had no time. Will the Taoiseach find time to meet the Opposition leaders this week?

Yes, I will.

Arising from the decision of An Bord Pleanála about Luggala, will the Taoiseach say what steps will be taken to restore that site to its former condition?

That is hardly a matter for the Order of Business.

Will the Government move to halt the proposed development at Mullaghmore?

I am sure the Deputy will find other ways to raise that matter.

I have attempted to find other ways. I attempted to raise the matter by way of Private Notice Question but it was ruled out of order on the grounds of not being relevant. I find it extremely difficult to understand——

The Deputy has made her point and I ask her to resume her seat, please.

——why I am not allowed raise a matter which involves the spending of £2 million of taxpayers' money.

Will the Taoiseach say when it is likely that the list of promised legislation will be published? It was promised in the Government programme and was to be published ten days ago but has not been published yet.

It will be published today.

I have a copy of the list and I wish to ask the Taoiseach if it is significant that there is no reference to the proposed Ministers and Secretaries Bill. On the Electoral Reform Bill, will the Government proceed with the Bill published by the previous Government? There is no reference to that Bill in the list circulated.

The list contains matter that has been specifically cleared by the Government. The fact that a particular item of legislation does not appear on the list does not mean it will not be dealt with; it simply means it has not been specifically cleared. The House will appreciate that the Government must review the programme available from the previous Government as well as the legislative requirements in its Programme for Government, and draw up its programme on that basis. This is being done as quickly as possible and as additional material is ready to be included in the legislative programme it will be so included.

Due to the bad weather conditions and deterioration in road conditions — many county roads are unfit for use — when is it proposed to make the county roads fund available to local authorities? Many local authorities are cash-starved and unable to carry out the urgent repairs required to our county roads.

This is not relevant now, Deputy. I will assist the Deputy to raise it in a more formal manner at the appropriate time.

I would like an indication from the Taoiseach or the Minister for Finance——

The question should be tabled in the ordinary way.

The roads of north Cork are not fit for use.

The Deputy should raise the matter in the proper fashion.

They have been in a bad condition for the past seven years.

The Government announced that it proposes to amend the Arterial Drainage Act, but that Bill is not included in the list of legislation. There is a serious crisis for many families following the recent flooding in south Galway and other areas. Will the Taoiseach indicate when it is proposed to introduce amendments to that Act and what action will the Government take to ensure that serious flooding does not recur on an annual basis?

The matter of flooding has been dealt with and doubtless will continue to be dealt with by this House.

On proposed legislation, when will the Taoiseach introduce the amendment to the Arterial Drainage Act?

Is that legislation promised?

It is promised.

When will it be introduced?

I cannot give a specific time, but, obviously, it is important. As the House is aware, the purpose of this legislation is to increase the powers of the Office of Public Works to enable it to deal with drainage problems of a non-agricultural nature. It is legislation in which I have a personal interest and I will do all I can to assist in bringing it before the House soon.

Why is it not on the list circulated?

This matter may not give rise to argument.

I answered that question a few moments ago in response to the Deputy's leader, Deputy Harney.

Is the Taoiseach aware that a very serious crisis exists in south Galway?

Order, this is not Question Time.

Why is there a delay in bringing forward this legislation?

Deputy Michael McDowell has been offering.

This is most unsatisfactory.

I am sorry, Deputy Molloy, you may not persist in this fashion.

The Government's response is inadequate. People have been left in dire circumstances by this Government and the last Government.

Deputy Molloy must find another way of raising that matter.

The Government is all promises and no action.

May I ask the Taoiseach why there is only one proposal for a Bill to amend the Constitution in view of the commitments given by Government spokesmen to have at least three referenda this year?

As I explained to the Deputy's leader, Deputy Harney — I did not explain it again to Deputy Molloy but now it seems I must explain it to the Deputy — the list is not exhaustive. There are other proposals of a constitutional nature being worked upon——

Obviously they are the Taoiseach's priorities.

——and I hope these will be brought forward. I referred to a number of them specifically in response to questions earlier and there is no going back on that.

Will the Taoiseach indicate whether they include Bills to amend the Constitution in regard to the law on bail and on Cabinet confidentiality?

The latter is included as one of the Bills on which a definite decision has been taken. We will be proceeding on that matter. The Government will prepare its proposals and refer them to the Law Reform Commission for vetting. When they come back we will proceed, taking into account the views of the Law Reform Commission. On the question of bail, we have not decided definitively whether a constitutional amendment will be introduced on that subject. The Programme for Government states that we will ask the Law Reform Commission to investigate the matter. It is a somewhat less specific commitment than that on Cabinet confidentiality.The Minister for Justice is proceeding with this matter with haste and she will have her proposals ready for reference to the Law Reform Commission at an early date. I cannot be more specific than that at this juncture.

I do not think you need Cabinet confidentiality.

Now that the budget has been presented, will the Government bring forward legislation on a third banking force? Will it proceed with the proposals of the last Government or will it bring forward new proposals?

There will have to be rainbow consultation.

This matter is engaging the attention of the Minister for Finance and I understand he will report to the Government on the matter within six to eight weeks.

What does the Taoiseach's third force think about it?

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