Before coming to the Order of Business I propose to deal with a number of notices under Standing Order 31. I will call on Deputies in the order in which they submitted their notices to my office. I call on Deputy McManus to state the matter.
Requests to move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I seek the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest which requires urgent attention: the paralysis in Government policy in relation to the management of the ongoing crisis in the health service, resulting from the differences between the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Health and Children, as revealed in correspondence released to the media under the Freedom of Information Act. In future, such correspondence will not be available if the Government succeeds in its plans to undermine the Act.
I call on Deputy Costello to state the matter.
May I have a decision, please?
In accordance with practice I will give a decision when I hear all the requests.
A Deputy is entitled to a decision after making the request, unless another, directly related notice has been submitted.
There is no—
A Deputy is entitled to a decision.
As has been the practice in the House in recent times, the decisions are given when all the matters have been stated.
We have noticed in recent times that the Ceann Comhairle has been breaking the rules by giving a decision once all Deputies have spoken. A Deputy who submits a notice is entitled to a decision immediately.
The Chair has ruled on this issue. There is no such rule. There is an obligation on the Chair to ensure he does not waste time in the House. In view of the number of requests being submitted to move the Adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31, it is appropriate that the Chair studies each matter, considers it carefully and makes a decision.
I am sure the Ceann Comhairle will agree it is also required that, having fully considered each matter, he gives his decision once it has been raised in the House.
It is appropriate to give the decision once all the requests have been made in the House.
It is not appropriate. The Ceann Comhairle is wrong.
The Chair has ruled on the matter.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I seek the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest which requires urgent attention: the continuing problem of crime and disorder, particularly in relation to public order offences, in view of the fact that the Government has no intention of delivering on its election promise to increase the number of gardaí by 2,000 and that it has no clear alternative strategy to tackle the problems of crime and disorder now that its election promises have been proved to have no basis.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I seek the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest which requires urgent attention: the effective scrapping of the RAPID programme by the Government which, despite all the effort and commitment invested in the programme by communities across the country and the importance attached to it before the last general election, will not now deliver the funding promised when the programme was launched.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I seek the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest which requires urgent attention: the extremely regress ive decision, due to Government cutbacks, to wind up the Bantry coastal management initiative – the Bantry charter – the State's only integrated coastal management initiative which is a model for the rest of Europe and was unique in achieving the support of Cork County Council and local agricultural, fishing and business interests. Given that—
I call Deputy Seán Ryan.
In accordance with Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the cumulative effect a series of Government cuts have had on the elderly, including the inadequate funding provided for nursing home subvention; the cuts in home help services and payments; and the totally inadequate €11 million allocated for housing aid for the elderly to carry out vital repairs on their homes.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the planned installation of an incinerator in Ringsend in Dublin, given the recent publication of the Health Research Board's report which concluded that Ireland had, "insufficient resources to carry out adequate risk assessments for proposed waste management facilities."
Go raibh maith agat.
Can I have a decision on that request, a Cheann Comhairle? Will you grant it?
I will give the Deputy a decision later.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the continuing high level of consumer price inflation which is now in excess of twice the European average; the fact that the Government has made a deliberate decision to increase indirect taxes and charges to shore up the problems created by its own mismanagement of public finances; the fact such taxes and charges have a disproportionate impact on the less well off in our society; the fact that Government is now the main driving force behind inflation; and the reality that the Government has no coherent strategy to tackle other causes of inflation in the economy.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring public attention: the failure of the Government to articulate or implement any meaningful response to the ongoing stream of job losses being experienced in the economy; the urgent need to improve the level of statutory redundancy payments available to workers; the need to seriously address the problems of providing alternative employment opportunities for workers made redundant; and the need for the Government to adopt a coherent economic policy in response to this downturn in the economy.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the massive humanitarian crisis now emerging in Iraq, including the impact on civilian populations in major cities such as Basra, which are now effectively under siege, caught between the opposing armies and being deprived of electricity, water and food; the urgent need for the United Nations sanctions to be lifted forthwith; and the need for the Government to play a serious role in supplying humanitarian aid under the leadership of the United Nations to the people of Iraq.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the scandalous deal reached between the Government and a number of religious orders which provides a wide-ranging indemnity to the religious orders and imposes a massive burden on the taxpayer despite and contrary to the advice of the Minister for Finance and his Department, which advice came into the public domain through the Freedom of Information Act, although in future such information will not be available if the Government succeeds in its plans to undermine the Freedom of Information Act.
As part of our parliamentary campaign against the Freedom of Information Bill and in accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the long-term environmental damage being done by the extensive use of depleted uranium munitions by US and UK forces in Iraq; the long-term health problems that will cause for the Iraqi population; and the need for the Government to take a stand against this practice. Can I have a decision on my request to suspend the Dáil, a Cheann Comhairle?
The Deputy will have it in accordance with the practice.
Are you replying to them all in one group?
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the threatened closure of many Teagasc centres throughout the country which has been precipitated by Government cutbacks, specifically in the area of agricultural research and training.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the escalating costs of the national roads programme which, according to documents released under the Freedom of Information Act, has increased from €5.9 billion in 1999 to €15.8 billion and may yet increase further; and the failure of the Government to ensure adequate progress on the roads programme despite the importance of this infrastructure for future prosperity and jobs.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the decision by the Government to purchase a new executive jet at a cost of some €50 million or more at a time when the purchase of medium-lift helicopters for use in air-sea rescue operations which will save lives off our coasts has been put on hold.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the major disparity between the increase in social welfare payment rates provided for in the budget and in the Social Welfare Bill and those which should have been granted to allow the Government live up to its promises in An Agreed Programme for Government, the revised national anti-poverty strategy and the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness as set out in a paper presented to the tax strategy group for the Department of Social and Family Affairs, although in future such information will not be available if the Government succeeds in its plans to undermine the Freedom of Information Act.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the funding crisis in Enable Ireland resulting from inadequate health board funding and the consequent cutbacks in services for clients which, it has been reported, may include the withdrawal of meals for children at Enable Ireland's Sandymount school; and the need for the Government to act to ensure that the services provided by the organisation to its clients are not affected.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to move the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest requiring urgent attention: the continuing crisis in the quality of school buildings and the inadequate level of provision in the recent Book of Estimates for the schools building programme, despite promises from Fianna Fáil during the last two general election campaigns, both nationally and at local levels, to address the issue; its clear statement that there is no excuse for poor quality school buildings; and the importance of vindicating the rights of Irish children to be educated in decent conditions.
Having considered all 17 matters carefully, the matters raised are not in order under Standing Order 31.
Does that include Basra? It appears the siege of that city is not urgent.
The Order of Business today shall be as follows: No. 1, the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2003 [Seanad] – Second Stage (resumed).
It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. tonight and business shall be interrupted not later than 10 p.m. Private Members' business will be No. 8, the National Transport Authority Bill 2003 – Second Stage (resumed) to conclude at 8.30 p.m.
Is the proposal for the late sitting agreed?
I object to the proposal because the late sitting does not give an opportunity for all Members on this side of the House to have their say on the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill. There is now great public confusion about the matter. I congratulate the newly appointed Ombudsman and Information Commissioner announced by the Government yesterday—
It is a woman.
It is a gender-neutral term.
—and wish her well in her new job, and point out that because the Government says it has nothing to hide, it might be appropriate to withdraw the Bill now or at the end of Second Stage so that she can give her views on it when she takes up office. If there is nothing to hide, there is nothing to fear. I thought the Government was going to give the job to Mr. John Drennan, which would have saved me a lot of trouble. I object to the late sitting on this basis because Members do not have enough time to make their case.
I also oppose the proposal for the late sitting because of the number of my colleagues who want to contribute to the debate on the dismantling of the Freedom of Information Act. I make no apologies for returning to the fact that the last coalition of the willing between Fianna Fáil and the Progressive Democrat Party must have made some shameful decisions that they do not want probed under the Freedom of Information Act. They certainly did so on the handling of the public finances and the matter to which Deputy Burton referred – the secret deal between Deputy Michael Woods and the religious congregations that so exposes the taxpayer.
The Labour Party gave the Government and the Taoiseach a way out of this mess.
I ask the Deputy for a brief comment on his opposition to the late sitting. A longer statement would be more appropriate on the Bill itself.
We offered a Bill that would have frozen the Act for 12 months to allow for the taking of evidence in public from interested parties, including the new Information Commissioner. I cannot see why the Government is not prepared to let matters rest for 12 months and then decide, on the basis of evidence gathered in public, if we should ring fence the Government from scrutiny under the terms of the Act.
The Green Party opposes the proposal for the late sitting. It is ironic that as we wish the new Information Commissioner and ombudswoman well, her job specifications are being changed before she even takes up her appointment. The Government must take account of the Opposition's views on this matter and not continue belittling the changes it is making to the legislation. It is poignant to say that it is considering putting nuggets of mass information verifiably beyond use. This must be re-examined. The Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill will not get enough time under the current Government's proposal.
This statement would be more appropriate during the debate on Second Stage.
We are talking about the late sitting and the fact we do not have time to deal with the implications of the legislation which will be felt by many, not least the ombudswoman.
The question before the House deals with the late sitting.
I join in the good wishes already expressed to Emily O'Reilly on her new appointment. I strongly oppose the proposal that the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill conclude at 10 p.m. tonight and at 3.30 p.m. tomorrow afternoon. I oppose not just the late sitting but the whole way the Bill has been addressed. This is all to do with the deadline of 21 April, when the last Government will come under public scrutiny. That is what the Taoiseach wants to avoid.
I apologise for giving so much time for the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill because if I had not we could address these other issues. We are making minor changes to the deliberative process.
Why is the Taoiseach afraid to consult the public on the Bill?
The Deputy would no more agree a process for doing that than the man in the moon so he should stop codding himself.
The Taoiseach is afraid of the people and is running for cover.
Only one Member of each party is allowed to speak on the proposal and Deputy Kenny has already done so.
I have listened to everyone but when I try to speak, they will not allow me. The Opposition's constructive proposal is to vote against the House sitting later to discuss the Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill. That sounds really intelligent to me.
Question put: "That the proposal for dealing with the late sitting be agreed."
Tá
|
Ahern, Bertie.Ahern, Dermot.Ahern, Michael.Ahern, Noel.Andrews, Barry.Ardagh, Seán.Aylward, Liam.Brady, Johnny.Brady, Martin.Brennan, Seamus.Callanan, Joe. |
Callely, Ivor.Carty, John.Cassidy, Donie.Collins, Michael.Cooper-Flynn, Beverley.Cullen, Martin.Curran, John.Davern, Noel.Dempsey, Noel.Dempsey, Tony. Dennehy, John. |
Tá–continued
|
Devins, Jimmy.Ellis, John.Fahey, Frank.Finneran, Michael.Fitzpatrick, Dermot.Fleming, Seán.Fox, Mildred.Gallagher, Pat The Cope.Glennon, Jim.Grealish, Noel.Hanafin, Mary.Harney, Mary.Haughey, Seán.Healy-Rae, Jackie.Hoctor, Máire.Jacob, Joe.Keaveney, Cecilia.Kelleher, Billy.Kelly, Peter.Killeen, Tony.Kirk, Seamus.Kitt, Tom.Lenihan, Brian.Lenihan, Conor.McCreevy, Charlie.McDaid, James.McDowell, Michael.McEllistrim, Thomas.McGuinness, John. |
Martin, Micheál.Moloney, John.Moynihan, Donal.Moynihan, Michael.Nolan, M.J.Ó Cuív, Éamon.Ó Fearghaíl, Seán.O'Connor, Charlie.O'Dea, Willie.O'Donnell, Liz.O'Donoghue, John.O'Donovan, Denis.O'Flynn, Noel.O'Keeffe, Batt.O'Keeffe, Ned.O'Malley, Fiona.Parlon, Tom.Power, Peter.Ryan, Eoin.Sexton, Mae.Smith, Brendan.Smith, Michael.Treacy, Noel.Wallace, Dan.Wallace, Mary.Wilkinson, Ollie.Woods, Michael.Wright, G.V. |
Níl
|
Boyle, Dan.Breen, Pat.Broughan, Thomas P.Bruton, Richard.Burton, Joan.Connaughton, Paul.Connolly, Paudge.Costello, Joe.Crawford, Seymour.Crowe, Seán.Cuffe, Ciarán.Deasy, John.Deenihan, Jimmy.Durkan, Bernard J.English, Damien.Ferris, Martin.Gogarty, Paul.Gregory, Tony.Harkin, Marian.Healy, Seamus.Higgins, Joe.Higgins, Michael D.Howlin, Brendan.Kehoe, Paul.Kenny, Enda.Lynch, Kathleen.McCormack, Padraic.McGinley, Dinny.McGrath, Finian. |
McGrath, Paul.McManus, Liz.Mitchell, Olivia.Moynihan-Cronin, Breeda.Murphy, Gerard.Naughten, Denis.Neville, Dan.Noonan, Michael.Ó Caoláin, Caoimhghín.O'Dowd, Fergus.O'Keeffe, Jim.O'Shea, Brian.O'Sullivan, Jan.Pattison, Seamus.Penrose, Willie.Perry, John.Quinn, Ruairi.Rabbitte, Pat.Ring, Michael.Ryan, Eamon.Ryan, Seán.Sargent, Trevor.Sherlock, Joe.Shortall, Róisín.Stagg, Emmet.Stanton, David.Timmins, Billy.Upton, Mary. |
Tellers: Tá, Deputies Hanafin and Kelleher; Níl: Deputies Durkan and Stagg.
Question declared carried.