Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Apr 1998

Vol. 489 No. 5

Order of Business.

The Tánaiste

It is proposed to take No. 8b, motion re Membership of Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business; No. 8c, motion, re Ministerial Rota for Parliamentary Questions; No. 22, Tribunal of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Bill, 1998 — Order for Report and Report and Final Stages; and No. 3, Child Trafficking and Pornography Bill, 1997 — Order for Second Stage and Second Stage.

It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that: (1) Nos. 8b and 8c shall be decided without debate; (2) the Report and Final Stages of No. 22 shall be taken today and the proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 12.30 p.m. 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 Justice, Equality and Law Reform; and (3) the Dáil on its rising today shall adjourn until Tuesday, 21 April 1998.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 8b and 8c agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 22 agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with the adjournment of the Dáil agreed? Agreed.

Mr. J. Bruton

I urge the Government to continue its efforts to reach an agreement in the talks despite what may have proven to be a very short-term hiatus last night. In this context, will the Government provide time today for statements on security arising from the truly terrifying discovery of a bomb in a car which was about to go across the Irish Sea? While I compliment the Garda Síochána and all involved on their vigilance, Members want to know that measures are being taken to ensure that the Governments co-operated to stop these evil people who put so many lives at risk.

Mr. Quinn

While my party and I wish the Government every success in the negotiations which clearly reached a difficult period last night, will the Tánaiste confirm now or later today if provision will be made for an early recall of the Dáil before 21 April if there are developments which require a discussion in the House? While the parties on this side of the House want to be supportive and helpful to the Government in the task it is undertaking at present, they are also obliged to take account of developments and to participate in deliberations before they are finalised. What provision has the Government made for briefing party leaders and, more importantly, enabling the House to participate in this historic process?

Proinsias De Rossa

I congratulate the Garda on discovering this bomb which could have caused untold death and destruction wherever its final destination may have been. Will the Government agree to a debate in the House on the negotiations during the week it resumes?

Mr. Gormley

If there is agreement in the talks, is it proposed to hold the referendum on 22 May?

An Ceann Comhairle

I have allowed party leaders to make brief statements and do not intend to allow a general discussion to develop on the matter.

The Tánaiste

I share the sentiments expressed by Deputies Bruton, Quinn and De Rossa on the interception by the Garda Síochána of the bomb last evening. This bomb could have had catastrophic effects on human life, property and the process which is under way. This is the sixth occasion since 8 January that the Garda have intercepted weapons of death and destruction and I pay tribute to them for this. They have the continued support of every right minded person and, clearly, of the parties in this House. I am not certain it would be helpful to have statements today but perhaps the Whips can discuss after the Order of Business the possibility of taking private notice questions.

On the political process, the Taoiseach had a very good meeting with the British Prime Minister last night — I spoke to the Taoiseach this morning — but clearly major differences still exist between the two sides. We are prepared to make major changes both in terms of our Constitution and the Anglo-Irish Agreement if others have the capacity to make the kind of changes required, particularly in relation to North-South institutions. We clearly want institutions which are meaningful.

The Taoiseach spoke to party leaders earlier this week about developments and he will do so again when there are further developments. I assure Deputy Quinn that the Dáil will be recalled if this is felt necessary or desirable. We want to move forward on an agreed basis in relation to Northern Ireland. There has been cross-party agreement on Northern Ireland in the House for some time and the Government very much appreciates this continuing support. As soon as there are developments the Taoiseach will talk to Deputies Bruton, De Rossa and Quinn and either Deputy Gormley or Deputy Sargent. There are only a few days remaining and if goodwill and generosity is shown on all sides we have the capacity to reach an historic settlement. That is what the vast majority of people want us to achieve.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Tánaiste has indicated a way of dealing with this matter today. I do not think we should proceed with it any further.

Mr. J. Bruton

That is acceptable. I want to ask a question on a separate matter.

Mr. Gormley

I asked specifically when it is proposed to hold the referendum.

An Ceann Comhairle

That is a matter for a parliamentary question.

The Tánaiste

We have not reached agreement, as Deputy Gormley knows, but obviously legislation to facilitate holding a referendum would have to go through the Oireachtas. There has to be a gap of 30 days so it may not be possible to have that legislation passed with a view to holding a referendum on 22 May, but all options are still open.

Mr. J. Bruton

In light of the evidence of transboundary crime in the attempted exportation of a bomb from this jurisdiction to another, will the Government revise its legislative programme vis-à-vis the Extradition Bill, given that the Taoiseach indicated earlier this month that we will not see the legislation to harmonise our extradition laws across the European Union until next year? Perhaps this matter could be brought forward now in light of the need to underpin any settlement with effective security arrangements.

The Tánaiste

The existing law on extradition is satisfactory and working well. If there were deficiencies in the current law the Government would respond speedily to correct them. The question raised by Deputy Bruton relates to the harmonisation of extradition laws and I understand it will take until the end of next year before we will be in a position to bring forward that legislation. If it were possible to do so more quickly that would be desirable and we will explore that aspect with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Mr. J. Bruton

This is simply implementing a convention that has been already drawn up. It should not take that long.

Mr. Quinn

When does the Tánaiste intend to introduce the Industrial Development (Amendment) Bill to give effect to the merger of An Bord Tráchtála and Forbairt?

The Tánaiste

The heads of the Bill will go to Government at our first meeting after Easter. Subject to the parliamentary draftsperson drafting the final Bill we hope to have it before the House some time in May.

Mr. Quinn

Is it the Government's and the Tánaiste's intention that the legislation to give effect to this merger will be enacted before the summer recess?

The Tánaiste

Yes, that is the intention.

Mr. Yates

In March of last year the previous Government published the Road Transport Bill which gives effect to modernising the licensing arrangements for the haulage industry. This Bill has not been put back on the Order Paper and the haulage industry is concerned that it has been either shelved or long fingered. As there is no delay with the parliamentary draftsman, will the Tánaiste give a commitment that the Bill will be restored to the Order Paper immediately?

The Tánaiste

I understand from the Minister for the Environment and Local Government that it will be later this year. It is being significantly revised.

Proinsias De Rossa

I refer the Tánaiste to item No. 33 on the Order Paper, the Estimates for the Department of Health and Children. Is it proposed to increase that Estimate to provide additional funding for services for the mentally handicapped which has been requested by the National Association for the Mentally Handicapped in Ireland?

An Ceann Comhairle

It is a matter of detail that is not appropriate to the Order of Business.

Mr. Ellis

In view of the imminent loss of 150 jobs in Ballinamore Textiles in County Leitrim on Friday week, will the Tánaiste consider setting up a task force to deal with unemployment in County Leitrim?

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not a matter for the Order of Business. The Deputy can raise it another way.

Mr. Ellis

This is a matter of great importance to the people affected by the job losses.

An Ceann Comhairle

This is not the proper way to raise the matter.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): Will the Tánaiste confirm if the Government has decided definitively that the referendum on the Amsterdam Treaty will be held on 22 May irrespective of any timetable in regard to the Northern Ireland talks? Has the Government given further consideration to the point made here some time ago that it would be desirable to hold both referenda on the same day? Bearing in mind that the Tánaiste is proposing the adjournment of the Dáil until 21 April, will she agree it is impossible now to do justice to a debate on the Northern issues before 22 May? Will the referendum on the Amsterdam Treaty go ahead on that day?

The Tánaiste

The Government has not made a decision on the referendum on the Amsterdam Treaty. It is most likely that it will be held on 22 May. In relation to a referendum on any possible outcome to the Northern Ireland negotiations, we will have to wait and see if we can reach agreement in the first instance. The Government is anxious to move forward in that regard with the support of other parties in the House. That will be one of the matters the Taoiseach will discuss with other party leaders. There are mixed views about whether it would be desirable to deal with the two separate issues on the one day. We would want to hear the views and reach agreement with other parties on that matter.

On the matter raised by Deputy Ellis, we had a very good meeting yesterday with the Deputy, Deputy Reynolds and Deputy Smith regarding the loss of jobs in Ballinamore as a result of the proposed closure of the textile factory. The deputation made a strong case for the establishment of a task force and I propose to respond positively to its request in a few days. There are unique circumstances in County Leitrim. It suffers from enormous economic deprivation and clearly bringing together the various State agencies with local interests can have a positive effect. Deputy Ellis can be assured I will respond positively to the request within a matter of days.

Mrs. Owen

The Tánaiste should have said that to the deputation yesterday.

Mr. G. Mitchell

The question of the date for the referendum on the Amsterdam Treaty should be cleared up because we have been told 22 May was a definitive date. In relation to legislation, given that we have the largest serving UN battalion in UNIFIL and other Irish officers serving abroad, will the Tánaiste indicate when it is intended to introduce legislation to give effect to the convention for the safety of UN troops and associated personnel? I have been informed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs that it requires legislation.

The Tánaiste

I understand that legislation is at an early stage of preparation. It is most likely the referendum on the Amsterdam Treaty will be held on 22 May, but the Government has not made a formal decision on that matter.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): It is only six weeks away.

The Tánaiste

As Deputy Higgins knows, the legislation has been passed. The Government will probably make a decision on this matter next Tuesday.

Mr. Gilmore

Will the Tánaiste indicate which legislation on the Government's list of legislation will include the proposal to extend commercial rates to investment residential property, as reported this morning, or will new legislation be introduced to facilitate this welcome initiative by the Government?

The Tánaiste

Deputy Gilmore should not believe everything he reads in The Irish Times. It is not always 100 per cent accurate. There is no legislation planned in relation to that matter.

Mr. Higgins

(Mayo): Some time ago Deputy Rabbitte stated in this House that the time at which “Oireachtas Report” was broadcast was so unsociable and unfriendly in terms of the viewer that it was designed only for drunks and insomniacs. RTE broadcast yesterday's proceedings at 3.05 a.m. today. Even the drunks and insomniacs would be asleep by that time. In view of the fact that the proceedings of this House have to play second fiddle to “Coronation Street”, “Nothing Sacred”, “Undercover”, “Rock Heroes” and “Holding the Baby”, I ask you, in your capacity as Chairman of this House, to consider cancelling access of RTE to the proceedings of this House until such time as it decides to broadcast the proceedings at a more suitable hour.

Mr. D. Ahern

Bring back Higgins's whip.

Mr. J. Bruton

We will set up our own television channel.

An Ceann Comhairle

It is not a matter for the Order of Business. There is a broadcasting committee. We must proceed with the Order of Business.

Proinsias De Rossa

With regard to the Amsterdam referendum and information given to the House yesterday by the Minister for Foreign Affairs that there will be two questions in relation to the agreement which it is hoped we will arrive at in the current negotiations, what is the Tánaiste's view with regard to whether these three very complex issues should be given to the people to be decided on the one day? What is the latest date on which the Amsterdam referendum could be held, given that the legislation has already been passed and there is a limit of 90 days within which it has to be held?

An Ceann Comhairle

It is not in order to seek the views of a Minister on the Order of Business. The Deputy may ask for dates on which legislation will be introduced.

Mr. G. Mitchell

We are getting different information on different days.

The Tánaiste

It is almost certain the referendum will be held on 22 May. We just have not made a formal decision in relation to it.

I have strong personal views as to when we should hold the Northern Ireland referendum, assuming that we reach agreement but I prefer to reserve those views because clearly the Government will make a collective decision on that matter. Ministers have different views, but we would like to take on board the views of the Opposition parties because we want to have the maximum possible consensus in relation to how we move forward if there is a Northern Ireland settlement.

Mr. M. Kitt

I am sure the Tánaiste is proud that the County Galway team won the All Ireland senior cup football final on St. Patrick's Day.

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not a matter for the Order of Business.

Mr. M. Kitt

It is a broadcasting issue. The presentation of the trophy to the winning captain was not shown by RTE on the occasion, nor was his acceptance speech heard. I just wonder whether there could be a repeat showing of the winning captain accepting the trophy and making a speech.

Mr. G. Mitchell

RTE gave a whole documentary over to it.

Mr. Stanton

Has the Government any plans to bring forward legislation allowing for the deregulation of the ESB, especially in light of the danger of grave public order disturbances in east Cork over plans by the ESB to use its monopoly powers to construct 81 steel pylons? Again——

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy has asked a question. He should not embellish it. Is there promised legislation?

The Tánaiste

In relation to the broadcasting issues raised by Deputies Higgins and Kitt, I will be meeting the director general of RTE at 11.30 about other matters, but I will bring to his attention the views of the Members. The new broadcasting committee will look at this issue but clearly we will have to make the House more exciting if we want a star billing time.

Mr. Howlin

Do not encourage us.

The Tánaiste

I am delighted that a team from my native county had such success. Given what is happening to my constituency, I wonder if there are any vacancies in east Galway and Ballinasloe. Perhaps Deputy Kitt will tell me.