Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Feb 2001

Vol. 530 No. 4

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

The Order of Business today shall be as follows: No. 25, Motion re. Functions of Select Committees; No. 5, Protection of Employees (Part-Time Work) Bill, 2000 – Order for Second Stage and Second Stage; No. 52, Irish Nationality and Citizenship Bill, 1999 [Seanad] – Order for Report Stage and Report and Final Stages; No. 6, Valuation Bill, 2000 – Order for Second Stage and Second Stage and No. 7, Local Government Bill, 2000 – Order of Second Stage and Second Stage.

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 25 shall be decided without debate. Private Members' business shall be No. 112, Motion re. Report of the Ombudsman on Nursing Home Subventions (Resumed), to conclude at 8.30 p.m. tonight.

An Ceann Comhairle

There is one proposal to put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 25 agreed?

Mr. Noonan

Before I indicate agreement or disagreement to the Order of Business, I would like the Taoiseach to inform the House where his party stands on the amendment of Standing Orders, along the lines of Motion No. 129 on the Order Paper, to allow leaders of Opposition parties to raise a matter of topical interest with the Taoiseach each morning on the Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

As I stated on the Order of Business yesterday, as per the Ceann Comhairle's suggestion last week that there should be a meeting of the Committee on Dáil Reform, a meeting of the committee took place last night. I understand it was a lengthy and difficulty meeting but progress was made. Those talks will continue this morning and during the day. As the Ceann Comhairle suggested last week, it is his preference that the House would bring forward a standing order. This has my support and we should work to achieve this in the committee. We should also agree some basis on how to deal with other Dáil reform issues.

Mr. Noonan

I thank the Taoiseach. Progress was made last night. My party wants to deal with this issue as a stand alone issue without prejudice to any further decision which might be made on the wider issue of Dáil reform. I acknowledge the progress made and will not oppose the Order of Business. The Fine Gael Whip will be available for further talks during the day.

Mr. Quinn

If progress was made last night it was not made with the help of the Labour Party.

Mr. D. Ahern

Woodchester.

Mr. Quinn

It will not be made with the help of the Labour Party as long as the Government tries to continue to corrupt the electoral process to this House.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Quinn

That is what the Government is trying to do. I want to inform you, a Cheann Comhairle, in your capacity as Chairperson of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, to which the so-called sub-committee would report in the first instance, that we were not at the meeting last night and will not be at the meeting today. The House should be aware that if a proposal comes from these discussions it will come from joint co-operation between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael on this matter.

Mr. Gormley

The Green Party cannot accept the Fine Gael amendment. Today is St. Valentine's Day.

Mr. D. Ahern

Does the Deputy want to blow kisses at us?

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Gormley

The new Fine Gael Party has much to learn about romance and the art of seduction because last night it spurned the advances of the smaller parties and the Independents and it now seems that it will hop into bed with Fianna Fáil. I hope it enjoys its temporary pleasure because hell hath no fury like a Green Party spurned.

A Deputy

Romantic Ireland is dead and gone.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): Yesterday the Leader of Fine Gael said he would not be silenced in raising matters of importance on the Order of Business. There is no chance of this happening as Fine Gael has sufficient numbers to ensure that the Government has to agree. Shamefully, Fine Gael and the Government agreed last night that the group of small parties and Independent Deputies who do not support the Government would be silenced and excluded.

There is a proposal from six Deputies – the Deputies from the Green Party, the Socialist Party and Sinn Féin and Deputies Gregory and Healy – which is only one short of the formal seven required under Standing Orders to form a group. We put forward a reasonable proposal that, along with the Leaders of the Opposition parties being called on topical matters on the Order of Business, one Deputy from that group of six would also be selected on a daily basis.

Mr. Dukes

Deputy Seán Ryan should join them.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): That is entirely reasonable.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should be brief. This issue cannot evolve into a full scale debate.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): It is shameful if Fine Gael is going to join Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrats who also wish to exclude the anti-establishment voice in the Dáil. That will not be accepted.

Mr. Stagg

Procedures are laid down in Standing Orders for changing Standing Orders. These procedures are cast in such a way as to ensure that a simple majority of Members cannot impose their will on the House. That is as it should be.

A meeting took place last night effectively between the Government parties and our new socialist friends in Fine Gael.

Mr. Deenihan

The Deputy is rattled.

Mr. Stagg

They have made a proposal, a copy of which was sent to me courtesy of the Government Whip.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should be brief as we cannot have a full scale debate at this stage.

Mr. Stagg

The proposal is signed by Deputies Flanagan and Seamus Brennan. That presumptuous proposal would require the Labour Party to take part in a committee in which we have decided not to take part until changes are made to legislation regarding the funding of elections. It is presumptuous of the main Opposition party to table this kind of motion. I am sure the Government is happy to go along with Fine Gael which will put Members into a straitjacket the result of which will be much worse than that about which we complained previously.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will allow a final word from Deputy Noonan.

Mr. Noonan

I do not wish to be disobliging to anyone.

Mr. Stagg

The Deputy should not be presumptuous either.

Mr. Noonan

Neither do I wish to take away rights or privileges which other parties have or had. I wish to restore the status quo ante whereby my predecessor was able to raise matters on the Order of Business under your ruling, a Cheann Comhairle. You, for reasons you have explained, have withdrawn the extension of that privilege and we require an amendment to Standing Orders to restore it.

I have no problem joining the leader of the Green Party or any other group to extend the status quo to include them. However, Fine Gael is a distinct and separate party. I am going to lead the party in this House and I am going to restore the status quo ante. I seek the co-operation of all Members to do so. I will ensure that I am not silenced in the House. I am going to have the same rights enjoyed by my predecessor to raise matters of public importance.

An Ceann Comhairle

I will allow a brief comment from Deputy Rabbitte. I have stated that we cannot allow this issue to develop into a full scale debate.

Mr. Rabbitte

Yesterday the Taoiseach told the House that I was wrong in claiming that the practice required of him is different from that required of his predecessors. Last night I examined the status quo ante. I found one instance in which, on 12 occasions in one hour, the Taoiseach, when leader of the Opposition, was afforded the same latitude given to Deputies Quinn and John Bruton but which is being denied to Deputy Noonan.

On 15 October 1996, Deputy Bertie Ahern raised a matter which went on for 50 minutes and involved 12 members of his front bench. The same happened on 12 other occasions.

Mr. Martin

Skilful opposition.

Mr. Rabbitte

That may well be, but it was no thanks to whichever lightweight came up with it.

Mr. D. Ahern

What was the topic?

Mr. Rabbitte

The same situation applied on 12 other occasions within one hour. Will the Taoiseach have the good grace to acknowledge that he was wrong? On two occasions in this House he accused me of being wrong. The evidence is on the record.

Mr. Martin

It is not.

Mr. Rabbitte

Everyone knows the practice was the same.

The Taoiseach

If it assists the House and just to be clear, I will state for the third time that Deputy Rabbitte is wrong.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Gormley

A Cheann Comhairle, may I speak?

An Ceann Comhairle

No. I cannot allow the Deputy to speak again on this issue. I allowed him speak already. I will allow a brief comment from Deputy Rabbitte.

Mr. Rabbitte

A Cheann Comhairle, I suppose we ought to be grateful the Taoiseach is not muttering into his tie as per usual.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal for dealing with No. 25 agreed?

Mr. Quinn

A Cheann Comhairle, on what are we voting?

An Ceann Comhairle

We are voting on the proposal for dealing with No. 25.

Mr. Rabbitte

This is ridiculous.

Mr. Quinn

What are we voting on?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should resume his seat when the Chair is on his feet. The Chair has put the question on the proposal on the Order of Business. Is the proposal agreed?

Mr. Quinn

A Cheann Comhairle—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Chair is on his feet.

Mr. Finucane

The Chair is prematurely on his feet.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal agreed?

Question put, "That the proposals for dealing with item 25 be agreed to".

Tá

Ahern, Bertie.Ahern, Dermot.Ahern, Michael.Ahern, Noel.Andrews, David.Aylward, Liam.Blaney, Harry.Brady, Johnny.Brady, Martin.Brennan, Matt.Brennan, Séamus.Briscoe, Ben.Browne, John (Wexford).Byrne, Hugh.

Callely, Ivor.Carey, Pat.Collins, Michael.Coughlan, Mary.Cowen, Brian.Daly, Brendan.Davern, Noel.de Valera, Síle.Dempsey, Noel.Dennehy, John.Doherty, Seán. Ellis, John.

Tá–continued

Fahey, Frank.Fleming, Seán.Flood, Chris.Foley, Denis.Fox, Mildred.Gildea, Thomas.Hanafin, Mary.Harney, Mary.Haughey, Seán.Healy-Rae, Jackie.Jacob, Joe.Keaveney, Cecilia.Kelleher, Billy.Kenneally, Brendan.Kirk, Séamus.Kitt, Michael P.Kitt, Tom.Lenihan, Brian.Lenihan, Conor.McCreevy, Charlie.McDaid, James.McGennis, Marian.McGuinness, John J.Martin, Micheál.

Moffatt, Thomas.Molloy, Robert.Moloney, John.Moynihan, Donal.Moynihan, Michael.O'Dea, Willie.O'Donnell, Liz.O'Donoghue, John.O'Flynn, Noel.O'Hanlon, Rory.O'Keeffe, Batt.O'Keeffe, Ned.O'Kennedy, Michael.O'Rourke, Mary.Power, Seán.Roche, Dick.Ryan, Eoin.Smith, Michael.Treacy, Noel.Wade, Eddie.Wallace, Dan.Wallace, Mary.Walsh, Joe.Wright, G. V.

Níl

Barnes, Monica.Bell, Michael.Boylan, Andrew.Bradford, Paul.Broughan, Thomas P.Bruton, John.Bruton, Richard.Burke, Liam.Burke, Ulick.Clune, Deirdre.Connaughton, Paul.Cosgrave, Michael.Coveney, Simon.Crawford, Seymour.Creed, Michael.Currie, Austin.D'Arcy, Michael.Deenihan, Jimmy.Dukes, Alan.Durkan, Bernard.Enright, Thomas.Farrelly, John.Finucane, Michael.Fitzgerald, Frances.Flanagan, Charles.Gilmore, Éamon.Gormley, John.Hayes, Brian.Healy, Seamus.Higgins, Jim.

Higgins, Joe.Kenny, Enda.McCormack, Pádraic.McDowell, Derek.McGahon, Brendan.McGinley, Dinny.McGrath, Paul.McManus, Liz.Mitchell, Jim.Mitchell, Olivia.Moynihan-Cronin, Breeda.Naughten, Denis.Neville, Dan.Noonan, Michael.O'Keeffe, Jim.O'Shea, Brian.O'Sullivan, Jan.Owen, Nora.Penrose, William.Quinn, Ruairí.Rabbitte, Pat.Ring, Michael.Ryan, Seán.Sargent, Trevor.Shatter, Alan.Stagg, Emmet.Stanton, David.Timmins, Billy.Upton, Mary.Wall, Jack.Yates, Ivan.

Tellers: Tá, Deputies S. Brennan and Power; Níl, Deputies Flanagan and Stagg.

Question declared carried.

Mr. Noonan

In view of deteriorating industrial relations, will the Taoiseach establish a Cabinet sub-committee to ensure that the re-negotiated Programme for Prosperity and Fairness is protected in any negotiations to relieve the pressure that now exists right across the industrial sectors?

The Taoiseach

There is a number of potentially serious disputes, as Deputy Noonan mentioned. There will be talks today with the Aer Lingus group of unions that is back in the Labour Court, and I hope progress will be made on those issues. Also today, the implementation group formed as part of the 4 December agreement under the PPF will be dealing with the construction and related industries, and BATU. We will continue to monitor the situation very closely.

Mr. Noonan

Would the Taoiseach take the point that industrial relations problems are now spreading across the economy, from the teachers to the construction industry and the Aer Lingus group of unions? While individual Ministers have responsibility, taking into account how busy Cabi net Ministers are, there is not an overview or a controlling group in Cabinet that is responsible. When one looks forward one can see that it will be a very rocky road on industrial relations for the next few months, so I am suggesting that a Cabinet sub-committee might be appropriate.

The Taoiseach

The Cabinet continually monitors this. In fact, there was a meeting this morning concerning one of the disputes, which was attended by a number of Ministers and me. The monitoring of the PPF, however, particularly under the 4 December agreement, is a specified implementation and control plan that was set down in that agreement. The difficulty is in making sure that is adhered to. I admit there are some difficulties surrounding a range of disputes but we are trying to ensure that particular section of the PPF, which was only agreed a little over two months ago, is adhered to.

Mr. Quinn

I invite the Taoiseach to convene a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges in light of the statement made by the Leader of the Fine Gael Party that he would like to have the status quo ante restored. As the Taoiseach has properly said, this would require writing into the Standing Orders of the House the convention that previously prevailed. I suggest that the Taoiseach might consider that.

An Ceann Comhairle

It is being considered.

Mr. Quinn

Thank you. I also raise the stifling of democratic developments within this House, whereby two Bills which have passed Second Stage have been effectively stymied. One has been vetoed by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government; that is the Bill to regulate and prohibit corporate donations to political parties. Later today, the Select Committee on the Environment and Local Government will meet and will discuss correspondence from the Minister for the Environment and Local Government. That correspondence instructs a so-called Independent Member of the House, Deputy Jackie Healy-Rae, not to proceed with Committee Stage of a Bill that passed Second Stage unanimously in this House last December. On the Order of Business tomorrow, will the Taoiseach accept motion No. 131 on yesterday's Order Paper, that would end forever the corrupting of the political process in this country by the extension of the continued funding of political parties by corporate donations? Has the Taoiseach learned anything from the tribunals in relation to this matter? Does the Tánaiste still go along with corporate donations?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should not continue with his statement now.

Mr. Quinn

Can we move to Committee Stage and end this practice now?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy has asked a question about legislation on the Order Paper and I will ask the Taoiseach to reply.

The Taoiseach

I hope Deputy Quinn is serious about this matter. He usually is, so I assume that is the case. If so, I would ask him to reconsider why he refused last Easter to join with other parties in examining these issues so that all of them could be dealt with. At that time Fine Gael was prepared to do so, as were other Opposition parties. I tried to bring that about and Deputy Quinn and I had continual correspondence about it so that we could perhaps deal with those issues. As the Deputy knows, I said at the time that for constitutional and legal reasons it was not so simple. I cited what the Honourable Mr. Justice Brian McCracken had said in the conclusion of his findings. He said that the tribunal did not consider it practical to prohibit all political contributions and rely solely on public funding of political parties.

Mr. Quinn

Yes.

The Taoiseach

To do so might give rise to serious constitutional difficulties.

Mr. Quinn

I agree with that.

The Taoiseach

I said at that time that we were going ahead with the public office commission legislation and the Electoral Act, and that there were issues to be dealt with. I note again that Deputy Quinn will not answer my question. When he mentions the pollution of corporate donations, as if every business person in this country was corrupt, he does not go on to explain what exactly corporate funding is. Does it incorporate companies, partnerships or wealthy individuals who could spend £20,000 or £30,000 out of their back pockets? I do not know any of those.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. D. Ahern

Does Deputy Quinn?

The Taoiseach

Well, they are not close to me.

Mr. Shatter

How is it that Ray Burke and Deputy Lawlor knew them?

An Ceann Comhairle

Order. Please allow the Taoiseach to speak.

Mr. Flanagan

Even Deputy Fleming looks on in disbelief, Taoiseach.

The Taoiseach

If there is such a desire by anybody, and I think there is by some parties, I would again ask Deputy Quinn to join with the other parties. I cannot answer for Deputy Noonan but last year his party agreed to co-operate with that all-party committee. We could deal with this issue. If we are really worried about people being corrupted, both the Tánaiste and I are ready and willing to deal with these issues, but we need other people to do so. We will not succeed in doing it by giving one liners on the Order of Business. The way to do it is by way of an all-party committee. Again I take the opportunity to say to Deputy Quinn that I am prepared to address the issues raised by the Honourable Mr. Justice Brian McCracken and the other advice given to me by the Attorney General, which he gave to Deputy Quinn the day of the meeting in my ante-room, and to try to deal with this issue. I am ready to do that at any time.

An Ceann Comhairle

This should not develop into a debate. A very brief question, Deputy Quinn.

Mr. Quinn

The Taoiseach has stated that he has received constitutional legal advice to the effect that it would be unconstitutional to ban corporate donations. The Labour Party is not proposing to ban all donations. That is quite clear. We are talking about corporate donations. The proposal from the Minister for the Environment and Local Government is to put a limit of £20,000 on corporate donations.

An Ceann Comhairle

We cannot discuss the merits or demerits of the Bill.

Mr. Quinn

I just wonder how much planning permission that might buy.

(Interruptions.)

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Quinn should be brief.

Mr. Quinn

I am asking the Taoiseach in the light of—

Mr. Dempsey

What about the £27,000?

Mr. Quinn

In the light of what he has just said, will the Taoiseach publish the legal advice which states that the banning of corporate donations is unconstitutional? We believe it is not unconstitutional. I put it to the Taoiseach that he is hiding behind that advice and that it is now time to end the practice of political donations coming from large corporations and business interests. Clearly, it has not yet dawned on Fianna Fáil—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is continuing with a statement. He should conclude now.

Mr. Quinn

The tribunals have told us one thing, and one thing alone, we have to end corporate donations from big business to political parties. Fianna Fáil and the Taoiseach's concern—

An Ceann Comhairle

We cannot take this any further on the Order of Business

Mr. Quinn

—is to institutionalise it and I ask myself why.

An Ceann Comhairle

I call Deputy Noonan.

Mr. Quinn

Where are the backbenchers? Where are Deputy Fleming and Deputy Andrews? The majority in this House—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is out of order. I call Deputy Noonan.

Mr. Noonan

Has the Taoiseach inquired from the Tánaiste if her party has moved position on this issue because there is an indication that it may have? Is there anything in his remarks to Deputy Quinn which would indicate that he is willing to engage in serious discussion which would arrive at a point where corporate donations from bodies as defined in a series of Companies Acts – so there is no problem with the definition – would be banned? The difficulty – the Taoiseach seems to misunderstand it – is that the public can no longer distinguish between clean money and dirty money, it is the perception rather than the reality and the Taoiseach must change it if he is to renew politics. In the first instance, it is the Taoiseach's job to restore democracy and renew politics. We are showing the Taoiseach how to do it and we are going to carry this case forward. It is a very serious issue.

An Ceann Comhairle

Does the Taoiseach wish to add anything?

The Taoiseach

I am not too sure if it is just down to clean money and dirty money. The Deputy also seems to have a problem about hidden money and people do not know who paid it.

Mr. Noonan

I think the Taoiseach should withdraw that remark.

The Taoiseach

I will not withdraw it.

(Interruptions.)

The Taoiseach

In my party, one has to specify who has given money.

Mr. Shatter

It is Fianna Fáil's hidden money that has been produced at the tribunals.

(Interruptions.)

The Taoiseach

May I answer Deputy Noonan?

An Ceann Comhairle

Please allow the Taoiseach to speak. I have given the floor to the Taoiseach, I cannot give it to two—

Mr. Noonan

On a point of order—

An Ceann Comhairle

What is the point of order?

Mr. Noonan

The Taoiseach has slurred me personally and my party and I would like him to correct the record.

The Taoiseach

I know the cost of doing a large poll. If Deputy Noonan would tell the House who paid for the poll, I will withdraw it.

Deputy Noonan asked me if there was anything in what I said which indicated that I was prepared to look at these issues. Last Easter when the Tánaiste and I asked for a meeting, and on the back of correspondence I have had with Deputy Quinn and the then leader of the Deputy's party, Deputy Bruton, we agreed that we would sit down and address all these issues and see what can be done about them. We had no difficulty doing that. For several weeks I tried to conduct and convene an all-party arrangement on that. We are still open to doing that but I have to—

Mr. Quinn

On the condition of maintaining the—

The Taoiseach

I say to Deputy Quinn that revisionism is a very dangerous thing. Deputy Quinn asked me to give an absolute commitment before the process started and said that then he would start discussions.

Mr. Quinn

That is right.

The Taoiseach

That is a little like putting the cart before the horse. Every day I deal with Northern Ireland and I am always at pains, as is Prime Minister Blair, to ask people not to withdraw from things because they do not like the look of somebody and not to set down preconditions.

(Interruptions.)

Ms McManus

That is pathetic.

The Taoiseach

The only thing I asked Deputy Quinn was to enter the committee to discuss all these issues because, as I said last Easter, the Honourable Mr. Justice Brian McCracken made it absolutely clear that in his view there were serious constitutional difficulties, and that was also the view of—

Mr. Quinn

Not all donations.

The Taoiseach

Let us discuss all donations and then come to a basis. Deputy Noonan asked a question. People seem to be afraid to sit down to talk about it and the real reason is that certain people in this House would be afraid of their life if we came to a solution on this issue.

Mr. Quinn

Not at all.

The Taoiseach

That is what they are afraid of.

An Ceann Comhairle

We must end this subject. Deputy Noonan, who raised the matter, will have the final word. We must move on.

Mr. Noonan

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply but perhaps we could focus on the matter. The Taoiseach issues invitations for all-party talks but the only evidence of change indicated from his side of the House is that the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, will bring in a Bill which will allow the Taoiseach to spend another £1 million in the next election—

Mr. Treacy

—and the Deputy too.

Mr. Noonan

—which he will gradually collect from the corporate sector. While the Taoiseach speaks in terms of change, his actions betray him. He is planning to legislate so that he can spend another £1 million on the election. We will not agree to that.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy has made his point.

Mr. Noonan

I do not believe the Taoiseach is sincere on this.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Gormley on a new subject on the Order of Business.

Mr. Gormley

Last week on the Order of Business the Taoiseach informed my colleague, Deputy Sargent, that provision for a tax on plastic bags would be contained in the Waste Management (Amendment) Bill and not in the Finance Bill. On 5 October last year, the Taoiseach was quite explicit when he said that it would not require separate legislation. On 25 October last year, he repeated that assertion, saying that it would not require separate legislation, despite the fact I got a parliamentary reply from the Department of the Environment and Local Government informing me that it was drafting separate legislation. Why did the Taoiseach misinform the House? Why did I have to be thrown out of this House, quite unjustly, because I brought up this point? Does the Taoiseach still have confidence in the Minister for litter because the litter louts all over this country certainly have confidence in him?

The Taoiseach

I replied to that and gave a full answer to Deputy Sargent last week but I will do so again this week for Deputy Gormley. Last autumn I said that this matter was urgent, that the Government supported a tax on plastic bags and that if there was no other appropriate legislation, it would be put into the Finance Bill. Since there is more appropriate legislation—

Mr. Gormley

The Taoiseach should read the Dáil record and read what he said.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Gormley should not interrupt.

The Taoiseach

I would have thought Deputy Gormley would be congratulating me for bringing in a tax on plastic bags.

Mr. Gormley

The Taoiseach is dragging his feet on it and has no intention of doing so.

The Taoiseach

We have. It is in the waste management Act.

Mr. Dukes

Will the Government make time available either today or tomorrow to discuss the latest proposals from the European Commission on the beef sector? They are due to come before the Council of Agriculture Ministers next Monday week. It would be useful if we could have a debate in this House on the full implications of these proposals before those decisions are made.

The Taoiseach

If the meeting is on 26 February I think time could be made available for a meeting before then.

Mr. Shatter

May I ask the Taoiseach to clarify the position in relation to promised legislation? Due to the incompetence of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the Human Rights Commission in this State is not functioning. We are now in serious breach of the Good Friday Agreement. The Northern Ireland Commission commenced functioning on 1 March 1999. The manner in which the Minister made appointments—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy will have to conclude.

Mr. Shatter

—to the commission last December means we need additional legislation. When will the new legislation be brought before the House and when the commission to be established for this State can start its work?

The Taoiseach

As I have already told the House, since the Christmas break the Minister had agreed to extend the numbers and he is doing that, first on an interim basis and then the legislation will be brought forward as soon as possible.

Mr. Shatter

Is the Taoiseach aware that the Human Rights Commission cannot meet as a statutory body until the new legislation promised by the Minister is brought before the House? Is he aware that it would take about ten minutes to draft the amending legislation which could be passed through this House very rapidly? Can the Taoiseach tell—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is continuing with a statement.

Mr. Shatter

—us when the legislation will come before the House? It is a very simple matter to publish this Bill.

The Taoiseach

To repeat myself, the Human Rights Commission will meet on an interim basis. It cannot meet on a statutory basis until the legislation is passed and the Minister will bring it before the House as quickly as possible.

Ms Fitzgerald

On the same topic—

Mr. Noonan

I put it to the Taoiseach that the best way of ensuring the Good Friday Agreement is implemented in full would be for the Irish Government to fulfil its obligations. Will he not instruct his lazy and incompetent Minister to bring this legislation into the House next week where we will give it passage in the shortest possible time?

The Taoiseach

I have already answered.

Mr. Gilmore

There are a total of nine pieces of legislation on the legislative programme which have been promised by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government and which have not yet been published. They are the road traffic Bill, the licensing of indoor events Bill, the EPA Bill, the building control Bill, the motor tax Bill, the waste management Bill—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is making a statement. Will he ask a question?

Mr. Gilmore

I am asking a question about nine pieces of legislation. It is not my fault that there are nine pieces of unpublished legislation from this Minister – the housing (miscellaneous) Bill, the private rented sector Bill and the water services Bill. Given such a long list of unfinished business from the Minister for the Environment and Local Government how did he end up giving overall priority to a Bill to increase the funding for Fianna Fáil at the next election?

(Interruptions.)

The Taoiseach

The licensing of indoor events Bill and the motor tax Bill will be published this session, the road traffic Bill will be published shortly and the waste management Bill will be published this session.

Mr. Gilmore

How can the Taoiseach explain why the unfortunate tenants have to wait until—

An Ceann Comhairle

Please.

Mr. Gilmore

—the Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should resume his seat. This is most disorderly on the Order of Business.

Mr. R. Bruton

When will the building control Bill be published and will it include provisions to deal with overcrowding of night clubs and other entertainment venues? As this is the 20th anniversary of the Stardust tragedy it is important that we have our fire services right. The chief fire officers' association has indicated today that overcrowding could occur today and they are powerless to deal with it. Will the Bill include those provisions? Will the Government give support to an official memorial service next year for the victims of the Stardust?

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): As we have solidarized today with the bereaved of the Stardust and those who have been scarred psychologically and physically, is the Taoiseach concerned about persistent reports that crucial recommendations following that tragedy are routinely ignored in large entertainment establishments politically?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy could pursue that matter in another way.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): Between the building control Bill and the licensing of indoor events Bill can this matter be dealt with urgently by the Government?

An Ceann Comhairle

Is there legislation in this area?

The Taoiseach

I join with other Deputies in remembering those tragic events of 20 years ago. The licensing of indoor events Bill includes the matters raised by Deputy Bruton. The heads of the building control Bill are expected shortly but the Bill will not ready until the autumn.

Mr. Higgins

(Mayo): I wish to ask about two pieces of legislation. The euro control Bill is to give effect to the revised Euro Control Convention signed by Ireland in 1997. According to the information available to us the heads are being prepared in the Department and publication is not expected until late 2001. This convention was signed by Ireland in 1997 and four years have elapsed since then. Why do we drag our heels in relation to ratifying into domestic law protocols and agreements that we sign willy nilly? We are the first in the queue to sign up and the last to ratify. For example, two weeks ago we dealt with an order in relation to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons which we had signed up to four years ago and it being ratified only now.

An Ceann Comhairle

This is a matter that could be better pursued by a parliamentary question.

Mr. Higgins

(Mayo): It is a very valid question. In relation to the railway infrastructure Bill to establish the rail procurement agency, yesterday there was yet another CIE casualty with the resignation of the chairman, Mr. Michael McDonnell. When can we expect the procurement of another chairman or another victim?

The Taoiseach

The Railway infrastructure bill is due this session.

Mr. Higgins

(Mayo): When is the aviation Bill due?

The Taoiseach

The aviation Bill is due in the autumn.

An Ceann Comhairle

I call Deputy Naughten. I ask Deputies to be brief and precise because time—

Mr. Naughten

I understand the Taoiseach intends to round up a number of Ministers, the usual suspects, to knock heads together on the issue of road safety. In light of the fact that last year coroners had to deal with 50 additional deaths—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should not make a statement.

Mr. Naughten

—due to Government incompetence in relation to road safety, when will the coroners Bill be published?

The Taoiseach

The road traffic Bill will be published this session and the coroners Bill will be in the autumn.

Mr. G. Mitchell

In relation to the Health (Miscellaneous) Bill which is before the Oireachtas, will there be an opportunity on that Bill, or statements in the House, to deal with the serious problem with blood donors? There is a grave shortage of blood donors in parts of the country. For one reason or another, confidence has been lost in the Blood Transfusion Service. The Minister did not assist by packing the board with his own nominees when he made the appointments.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should be brief.

Mr. G. Mitchell

Will the Taoiseach arrange for statements in the House to address this urgent and important matter because there is a grave crisis in parts of the country?

The Taoiseach

The Bill is already in Committee.

Mr. G. Mitchell

I am asking if the Taoiseach will facilitate statements in the House because there is a grave problem in parts of the country where there is a shortage of blood donors.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy will have to pursue the matter in another way.

Mr. Farrelly

I seek your guidance. I was refused a private notice question in relation to the National Roads Authority and Slane Bridge and providing money following another tragic accident on Monday last. What is the difference between the Minister for the Environment and Local Government answering questions in relation to—

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not appropriate to the Order of Business. The Deputy should come to the Ceann Comhairle's office. It is not in order on—

Mr. Farrelly

—and the Minister for Health and Children answering questions in relation to health boards?

An Ceann Comhairle

I must conclude the Order of Business. We must proceed to the business of the day. We are way overtime.