Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 1997

Vol. 485 No. 4

Order of Business.

The Tánaiste

It is proposed to take No. 8a, motion regarding membership of Joint Committee on Standing Orders, No. 20, motion regarding capital punishment, No. 28a., Scientific and Technological Education (Investment) Fund Bill, 1997, Order for Report and Report and Final Stages, and No. 23, statements on the United Nations Climate Conference in Kyoto.

It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that Nos. 8a. and 20 shall be decided without debate; the Report and Final Stages of No. 28a. shall be taken today and the proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion after two hours by one question which shall be put from the Chair and which shall, in relation to amendments, include only those set down or accepted by the

Minister for Education and Science. The following arrangements shall apply in regard to No. 23: the opening statement of a Minister or Minister of State and of the main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party and the Labour Party shall not exceed 30 minutes in each case; the statement of each other Member called upon shall not exceed 20 minutes in each case; Members may share time and a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed 15 minutes. The Dáil, on its rising today, shall adjourn until 2.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 28 January 1998.

An Ceann Comhairle

Are the proposals for dealing with Nos. 8a. and 20 agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 28a. agreed? Agreed. Are the proposals for dealing with No. 23 agreed?

Mr. J. Bruton

Item No. 23 relates to statements on the outcome of the Kyoto summit, a very important summit, just as the recent summit in Luxembourg was important. We had a debate in the House yesterday in this exact format on the Amsterdam summit and in terms of media reporting the debate might as well not have taken place. There was no opportunity for questioning of the Taoiseach and, in this instance, there is no opportunity to question the Minister for the Environment and Local Government on what took place. A series of scripts were read out. Some of the Taoiseach's script was reported, but other statements made off-script might as well not have been made at all.

Since these reports are important I ask the Tánaiste to consider whether it would be better to take them in a committee of the House. I am also referring to reporting back on EU summits where the Taoiseach would give his report, other Members would make their comments and there could be dialogue on the matter. If a statement is not to be reported, in terms of publicity, it may as well not be made. It seems the worst place in Ireland to deliver an important announcement, in terms of having it reported, is here — that is not a reflection on anybody.

In the case of important statements such as this, I ask the Tánaiste to consider a better format for genuine dialogue between Opposition and Government on these matters, which are largely non-contentious and where dialogue could be useful to both sides. Will the Tánaiste consider new arrangements for future debates of this kind?

The Tánaiste

Deputy Bruton made a valid point which could be considered for the future. The request to have the statements today came from the Green Party——

Mr. Howlin

And others.

The Tánaiste

Yes, and the Government was pleased to agree to the request. The Minister for the Environment and Local Government intends to bring this matter before the environment committee in the new year. I agree with Deputy Bruton that some important matters do not receive coverage. From my experience at the weekend, I can give the Deputy advice on how to get coverage, if that is what he is interested in. Deputy Bruton made a valid point that should be considered for the future.

Mr. Gormley

I thank the Tánaiste for acknowledging that the request came from the Green Party. Will she confirm that 20 minutes will be available for our party to contribute today? At what stage will we be allowed speak?

The Tánaiste

Yes.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

On the Order of Business——

An Ceann Comhairle

We are dealing with a specific proposal at present.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

I thought that matter had been addressed by the Tánaiste to the satisfaction of the House.

Mr. J. Bruton

As I raised an objection to this item, I now withdraw that objection.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal for dealing with No. 23 agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with the Adjournment of the Dáil agreed? Agreed.

Mr. J. Bruton

What is the present position on the administrative procedures Bill, which is designed to give all citizens rights in dealing with public administration? Have all Departments prepared a statement of structure, required under the Freedom of Information Act, which must be available for 1 January?

The Tánaiste

I understand this Bill may be combined with reform of the Ombudsman's remit and it will be published in March or April 1998.

Mr. Quinn

The House will not meet again until 28 January. The Taoiseach is meeting President Santer in Brussels this morning, apparently still negotiating something that was agreed by the previous Administration, the proposed corporation tax rate after 2006. In view of the Taoiseach's failure to refer to this matter yesterday during the European Union summit debate, will the Tánaiste, in consultation with the Whips, provide an opportunity at the earliest possible date in the new year for the Taoiseach to report on this issue, bearing in mind that attitudes to corporation tax have been dealt with on an all-party basis in the past?

The Tánaiste

The purpose of the Taoiseach's visit to Brussels is to brief President Santer on a number of matters, including Northern Ireland and his meetings with President Clinton in the United States. Agenda 2000 will also be discussed. A wide variety of issues will be discussed, it is not a negotiating meeting. It is the Government's wish to keep parties informed on such issues.

Mr. Rabbitte

Where is the 10 per cent rate now?

Mrs. O'Rourke

The Deputy was so expansionary, he offered nil.

Proinsias De Rossa

As the Government failed to implement the Refugee Act, even though it is Christmas time, the three wise men would probably be deported if they arrived here tonight.

Mr. S. Brennan

Where would one find three wise men?

Mrs. O'Rourke

What about the gender balance?

Proinsias De Rossa

They would be sent back to the tender mercies of King Herod. At its meeting tomorrow, will the Government consider the introduction of an amnesty for asylum seekers already resident in the State? At the very least, will it ensure asylum seekers are not deported over the Christmas period?

An Ceann Comhairle

The matter does not arise on the Order of Business, I call Deputy Finucane.

Proinsias De Rossa

I raised this matter in the context of the failure of the Government to implement the Refugee Act, 1996 and the Tánaiste has offered to reply to my question. I would appreciate if you would allow her to do so.

The Tánaiste

This matter has been raised more regularly than any other issue in recent months. Problems arise because of the pending law case, but the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has made administrative arrangements and genuine asylum seekers will not be deported or stopped from entering the country. Obviously, we will honour our international obligations on this matter.

Mr. J. Bruton

I also suggested that an amnesty should be introduced for asylum seekers already resident in the State. I accept new arrangements will be introduced, but a strong argument could be made for an amnesty for those who are already resident here. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform indicated he would consider this, but he should do so soon.

The Tánaiste

This matter was discussed by the Government at a meeting last Tuesday. A small working group is examining, among other issues, the question of an amnesty, but a decision has not been made yet.

Mr. Quinn

In her capacity as Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, will the Tánaiste consider amending the legislation to give asylum seekers the right to work here legally so that they are not a burden on the State? Since that power comes under the remit of her Department, has she any legislative proposals to allow asylum seekers the right to work here pending the long and laborious process of assessment in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform?

The Tánaiste

As the Deputy is probably aware, the question of work permits is not covered on a statutory basis. I am currently preparing proposals to bring to Government to put the matter on a proper statutory footing and the points made by the Deputy are being considered in that context. As we have had an unprecedented number of requests for work permits, there should be an appropriate statutory basis for granting or refusing them.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

On Tuesday last the Minister for Health and Children told the House that a clinical information pack on the potential CJD infection risk from amerscan pulmonate II was being prepared for consultants, GPs and health boards so that those at risk could be fully informed and counselled about their circumstances. The Minister said the information pack should be completed by Wednesday. However, following inquiries to the Department last evening, I was told the pack could not be completed before Christmas. Today, a full month after this potential danger became known——

An Ceann Comhairle

The matter is not appropriate to the Order of Business.

Caoimhghín O'Caoláin

Will the Tánaiste make time available for the Minister for Health and Children to inform the House, before it adjourns until 1998, whether the promised information and counselling for 400 distressed people at risk and their families will be given now?

The Tánaiste

The 400 people and their families are a priority for the Minister for Health and Children. He has spent a considerable length of time working on this issue. It is a very complex area and all the necessary resources are being made available to get the packs out as quickly as possible. I am not sure when they will be released. I will talk to the Minister and communicate with the Deputy later today.

Mr. Finucane

The Fisheries Council is holding an important meeting today and tomorrow. I wish the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources good luck in those talks because the fishermen await with eager anxiety the implementation of Fianna Fáil's commitment to increased quotas.

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not appropriate to the Order of Business today.

Mr. Finucane

I am merely wishing the Minister well.

Mr. Howlin

Yesterday on the Order of Business I got an assurance that the Taoiseach's office would communicate with me on the method to be employed to appoint the new committee of the regions. As the Minister for the Environment and Local Government is in the House, could I have a communication in that regard before the House adjourns?

The Tánaiste

I understand the Deputy will have a reply from the Minister for the Environment and Local Government by noon today.

Mr. Power

Unfortunately, sexual abuse of children is rampant. In an effort to avoid placing children at unnecessary risk, will the Tánaiste or the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform consider introducing chemical castration for persistent offenders?

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not appropriate to the Order of Business.

Mr. Power

It is a serious problem.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should find another way of raising it.

Mr. Power

The only treatment available for offenders is on a voluntary basis, and very few are taking it up.

Mr. Higgins

(Mayo): Two Bills have been promised before Christmas in the justice area, the jurisdiction of courts and enforcement of judgments Bill and the International War Crimes Tribunals Bill. When can we expect them to be published?

The Tánaiste

The International War Crimes Tribunals Bill has been published and is on the Order Paper. The other Bill will be published early in the new year.

Mr. Rabbitte

Where is the Companies (Amendment) Bill on the reform of the law on examinership and the exclusion of micro companies from audit?

The Tánaiste

The heads of that Bill were cleared by the Government recently and it will be published early in 1998, probably in February.

Mr. Broughan

In relation to No. 7e. on the Order Paper——

An Ceann Comhairle

We will deal with that when we have disposed of the Order of Business.

Mr. Gormley

Is the Tánaiste aware the Taoiseach promised that legislation on the Food Safety Authority would be introduced in February 1998, but Mr. Pat Wall of that Authority stated on the Pat Kenny radio show this morning it would not have effective powers for more than 12 months. The Authority was set up in 1996 and there will be a gap of two years before it has effective powers. This shows the Government does not have a sense of urgency about the BSE problem.

An Ceann Comhairle

We cannot have a statement on the matter.

Mr. Gormley

I ask the Tánaiste to take this problem seriously.

The Tánaiste

The legislation will be published in March. There are always delays in transferring responsibilities to new bodies. The Government is committed to establishing this food authority and ensuring it has all its functions as quickly as possible. However, issues relating to industrial relations and staff rights have delayed it.

Mr. Neville

Why has the Government not published the report of the national task force on suicide which was completed last April? There must be some reason the Government has not done so after nine months.

The Tánaiste

I do not know but I will find out and inform the Deputy later in the morning.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): Will the Government introduce an amendment to the Control of Horses Act requiring local authorities to join other agencies to provide designated areas of land where working class children can develop their hobby in safety? Horses are being snatched and this is causing resentment and heartbreak in working class communities which are already deprived. The Government should fund such a project for these children, particularly when it can give £20 million to Croke Park.

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not promised legislation.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): I asked about an amendment.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy can table a parliamentary question.

Mr. Crawford

When will the Taoiseach and Minister for Foreign Affairs reopen the markets for live cattle and beef exports? The bottom has fallen out of the cattle trade.

An Ceann Comhairle

That matter is not appropriate to the Order of Business.

Mr. Crawford

When in Opposition, the Taoiseach said he would reopen the market immediately. What has he done in this regard?