I wish to state our objection to the way in which the Private Notice Question in the names of Deputy Cowen and others, about the position of paramedics who are at present in dispute, has been ruled out of order. We do not know on what grounds the question has been ruled out. Surely that is a matter of public importance requiring debate and resolution and, as such, we fully expected it would have been taken in the House.
Order of Business (Resumed).
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle
The Ceann Comhairle's office has advised the Deputy of the disallowance of the Private Notice Question. That office will be available to the Deputy to further clarify the position if that is required.
I support the deputy leader of our party. The implication is that this is not a matter of such importance or urgency that it should be taken by way of Private Notice Question but that it should be allowed wait until ordinary health questions, which are not due to be taken for a fortnight or, from what I have heard around the House today, perhaps a long time thereafter. On behalf of 3,000 public health workers who are on strike, I wish to register my protest that, as Opposition spokesperson on health, I have been refused permission to raise the matter by way of Private Notice Question because it is deemed by the Ceann Comhairle not to be urgent or important.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle
We cannot debate this matter now. There has been a lot of latitude on it thus far. The matter has been selected for debate on the Adjournment later this evening and we should not pre-empt that debate.
As spokesperson for labour affairs, I also tabled this question. The Government is treating paramedics in a dishonourable and insulting way.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle
I must move on now.
The Government did not stand by its word.
Remember how Mary treated teachers in 1987.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle
It is disorderly to raise the disallowance of a Private Notice Question at this time.
On a point of order, is it not in accordance with precedent that major disputes of this nature are taken by way of Private Notice Question? In my experience in the House, that is normal procedure. The only reason I can think of for refusal to take the matter in that way is that the Government is resisting this dispute.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle
While the matter raised is one of considerable public importance, it has not arisen so suddenly as to justify the waiving of ordinary requirements.
Recently the Minister for Health was reported as being concerned about the under-reporting of rape cases, and I agree with his sentiments. Has the Government legislation in mind to provide that separate legal representation will be given to rape victims?
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle
Is legislation promised in that regard?
There is not any specific legislation promised, but as the Deputy will be aware, a charter of rights for victims of crime, which deals in particular with the rights of rape victims, has been published on a non-statutory basis. The important provisions of that charter should be given an opportunity to work. As the Minister stated, there are a number of reasons for the under-reporting of rape cases in this and other jurisdictions, some of which can be dealt with by statutory means and others which, unfortunately, are not susceptible to being dealt with in that way alone.
I concur with the Minister's sentiments. The Rape Crisis Centre does great work in this area, but does the Taoiseach agree there is a need for legislation to give separate legal representation to rape victims?
The various forms of support that should be afforded to rape victims are dealt with in the charter of rights for victims of crime which the Minister will publish. Other appropriate measures can be considered at a later stage.
Has the Government finalised legislation to provide for the establishment of a statutory tribunal for the hepatitis C victims?
That matter is at a very advanced stage. Work has been done on the drafting of the heads of a Bill, but consultations are continuing with members of the various groups representing the victims. As I told the Deputy on a previous occasion, we have given priority to advance consultation with the various groups representing the victims and that is proceeding.Meanwhile, in order that we do not lose time, work is continuing on as much drafting as possible consistent with scope for consultation.
Will the Government publish the draft heads of the Bill? The Taoiseach stated the drafting of the heads of a Bill, as distinct from the Bill, was at an advanced stage.
I meant the Bill.
As we await the publication of the Bill, will the Taoiseach publish the heads of the Bill? As documentation has already been given to interest groups, Opposition Deputies should be given the draft heads of the Bill. The Minister for Health indicated at the weekend that he would discuss with the Government this morning the reparation fund that will enable victims to avail of aggravated damages because of the way the matter was handled by the State and its agencies. What decisions were taken this morning on this matter? The victims have been waiting more than six weeks for a decision.
The Government is continuing its consultations on the matter. We are working on the drafting of legislation that will give effect to the proposals made in this area, but some matters are open to further discussion which is currently taking place. It would not be possible to publish some of the proposals and not those which are still subject to consultation. The matter is being dealt with in an urgent and consultative manner.
The Taoiseach did not answer my second question. Did the Government make a decision this morning on the reparation fund, which is of prime importance to the victims?
The Government discussed the matter this morning but, as I already indicated to Deputy Harney, the matter is subject to further consultation.
Is it intended to complete the Adoption (No. 2) Bill before the House rises for the general election? As the Government has received legal advice on the matter, will Paraguayan adoptions be provided for in that Bill?
I will not refer to the contingency to which the Deputy referred in his question.The Government and the House will proceed with business in the normal way and I hope the Deputy will enjoy dealing with legislation from his current position for many more years.
The Taoiseach is very smug.
The legislation to which the Deputy referred is currently before the Seanad and I hope it will be completed soon.
Will the circumstances of the Paraguayan children be dealt with in the context of that legislation? I understand legal advice has been received from Attorney General and others on that matter.
I understand from the Minister of State that issue is being dealt with in the context of that legislation but, obviously, I cannot give the Deputy the results of that yet.
Does the Government plan to dismantle FÁS?
No.
Good.
We have no plans to dismantle any organisation.
Except the Government.
We do not need to intervene to dismantle Fianna Fáil, it does that itself.
The resurrection of Deputy Mitchell is the nearest thing to Lazarus's resurrection that I have seen in a long time.
The Government is working on proposals for the development of human resources and training. In view of the priority the Government attaches to training, it is putting in place the most effective arrangements to ensure those services, in conjunction with local employment services, are delivered in the best way possible to maximise employment opportunities.