Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 2 Apr 2003

Vol. 564 No. 2

Order of Business.

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take No. 14, National Tourism Development Authority Bill 2002 [Seanad] – Order for Report and Report and Final Stages; No. 15, Data Protection (Amendment) Bill 2002 [Seanad] – Order for Report and Report and Final Stages; and No. 16 – Licensing of Indoor Events Bill 2001 – Order for Report and Report and Final Stages.

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Report and Final Stages of No. 14 shall be taken today and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 4.30 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 Arts, Sport and Tourism; that the Report and Final Stages of No. 15 shall be taken today and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 5.30 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 that the Report and Final Stages of No. 16 shall be taken today and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 7 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 the Environment and Local Government. Private Members' Business shall be No. 30, motion re humanitarian aid for Iraq (resumed), to conclude at 8.30 p.m.

An Ceann Comhairle

There are three proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 14, the conclusion of the Report and Final Stages of the National Tourism Development Authority Bill 2002, agreed to?

Mr. Kenny

This Order Paper comes during a period of the most frequent use of the guillotine since the French revolution. There are three guillotines today despite the objections already voiced by the Fine Gael Whip to this tactic. Therefore, I oppose concluding discussion of No. 14 at 4.30 p.m.

Mr. Rabbitte

I agree with Deputy Kenny. It is generally agreed in the House that when Deputy Brennan was Chief Whip he would mind mice at a cross-roads and during his time we never had anything like this. This tactic is straight out of the French revolution and Madame Defarge seems to have an excuse to bring in the guillotine every day as part of routine Government business.

Ms O. Mitchell

She cannot knit any faster.

Mr. Rabbitte

It is being done three times today.

Mr. M. Smith

I have never seen so many smiles on those about to lose their heads.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Minister should allow Deputy Rabbitte to continue.

Mr. Kenny

The Minister should stick to buying helicopters.

Mr. O'Dowd

We have a bag for the Minister's head.

Mr. Rabbitte

The Minister for Defence offered the view yesterday that this tactic was used by the rainbow Government in the run-up to Christmas 1995. That may well be the case. I have not had the time to check his facts as I do not have as many people on the State payroll as the Minister. I will look into it. There is nothing unusual about using the guillotine at the end of a calendar year. It is unusual to use it as a governmental convenience on every parliamentary day in the first year of the life of a Government. It has been the tradition in this House that if Members on either side wish to make a contribution on a Bill, they are provided with a reasonable opportunity to do so. That tradition is not being followed in this case for no other reason than to facilitate Government business. The guillotine has become the norm. Will the Taoiseach assure the House concerning matters which have been regarded as precedent, and you, a Cheann Comhairle, have correctly ruled that precedent is important? Will he assure the House that a reasonable amount of time will be allowed between the conclusion of Second Stage of a Bill and its referral to a select committee and that the unreasonable application of the guillotine in the circumstances we are seeing every day will cease? This is not an acceptable way to do business. Since the Minister for Defence accuses those on this side of the House of wasting time, will he tell me what other parliamentary method is open to us to express our objection to this manner of doing business?

Mr. Sargent

The Green Party opposes the Order of Business for reasons of which the guillotine is but one. The circumstances in which we are taking the National Tourism Development Authority Bill 2002 are changing all the time. The impact of the war on Iraq will mean tourism must redefine itself to take account of the consequent downturn in business. That is not to mention the appalling humanitarian crisis we will debate later. The Government is avoiding dealing with the issue and I ask that the guillotine be removed to provide Members with the opportunity to develop the debate to take account of the reality being faced. We oppose the Order of Business as it seeks to avoid dealing with the issues regarding which we are here to represent the people.

The Taoiseach

I am not familiar with all of the discussions that go on in the Whip's office. Normally, we try to complete consideration of Bills during a session.

Mr. Stagg

The Taoiseach gets directions at the Whip's office. The Whips inform the Taoiseach.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Stagg should allow the Taoiseach to continue without interruption.

The Taoiseach

People operate on the basis that one needs so many hours for a Bill and then try to complete it. We are into the tourism season and the National Tourism Development Authority Bill 2002 is required.

Mr. Quinn

That is nonsense.

The Taoiseach

No amendments have been tabled to the Data Protection (Amendment) Bill 2002 on Committee or Report Stages.

Mr. Rabbitte

Then why have a guillotine?

The Taoiseach

That is the reason. That is why the Opposition should agree to take the Bill in 15 minutes.

Mr. Rabbitte

They are afraid they would lose their heads.

The Taoiseach

It seems extraordinary that the Whips would not agree to take a Bill in that time given the fact that no amendments are tabled. I wonder why the Opposition is devoting so much time to the subject. The Licensing of Indoor Events Bill was published in 2001 and it is now 2003. I have been asked time and again on the Order of Business to complete them. Without going into detail and looking at these three Bills, Deputy Quinn thinks it is nonsense to want to pass the National Tourism Development Authority Bill.

Mr. Quinn

It is late in the day to affect tourism this year.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Quinn should allow the Taoiseach to speak.

Mr. Quinn

Does the Taoiseach think the legislation will affect this year's tourism?

The Taoiseach

The Bill will structure the new authority and give it legislative effect. If Deputy Quinn thinks the tourism industry is nonsense, that is fine.

Mr. Quinn

I do not. This Bill is two years too late.

The Taoiseach

Those are the reasons.

Question put: "That the proposal for dealing with No. 14 be agreed to."

Tá

Ahern, Bertie.Ahern, Dermot.Ahern, Michael.Ahern, Noel.Andrews, Barry.Ardagh, Seán.Aylward, Liam.Blaney, Niall.Brady, Johnny.Brady, Martin.Breen, James.Brennan, Seamus.Browne, John.Callanan, Joe.Callely, Ivor.Carey, Pat.

Carty, John.Cassidy, Donie.Collins, Michael.Cooper-Flynn, Beverley.Coughlan, Mary.Cowen, Brian.Cregan, John.Cullen, Martin.Curran, John.de Valera, Síle.Dempsey, Noel.Dempsey, Tony.Dennehy, John.Devins, Jimmy.Ellis, John. Finneran, Michael.

Tá–continued

Fitzpatrick, Dermot.Fleming, Seán.Fox, Mildred.Glennon, Jim.Hanafin, 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.McDowell, Michael.McEllistrim, Thomas.McGuinness, John.Martin, Micheál.Moloney, John.Moynihan, Donal.Moynihan, Michael.Mulcahy, 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.O'Malley, Tim.Parlon, Tom.Power, Peter.Power, Seán.Roche, Dick.Ryan, Eoin.Sexton, Mae.Smith, Brendan.Smith, Michael.Treacy, Noel.Wallace, Dan.Wallace, Mary.Walsh, Joe.Wilkinson, Ollie.

Níl

Allen, Bernard.Boyle, Dan.Breen, Pat.Broughan, Thomas P.Burton, Joan.Connaughton, Paul.Connolly, Paudge.Costello, Joe.Coveney, Simon.Crawford, Seymour.Crowe, Seán.Cuffe, Ciarán.Deasy, John.Deenihan, Jimmy.Durkan, Bernard J.English, Damien.Enright, Olwyn.Ferris, Martin.Gilmore, Eamon.Gogarty, Paul.Gormley, John.Gregory, Tony.Harkin, Marian.Higgins, Joe.Higgins, Michael D.Kehoe, Paul.Kenny, Enda.Lynch, Kathleen.McCormack, Padraic.McGinley, Dinny.McGrath, Finian.

McManus, Liz.Mitchell, Olivia.Morgan, Arthur.Moynihan-Cronin, Breeda.Murphy, Gerard.Naughten, Denis.Neville, Dan.Noonan, Michael.Ó Caoláin, Caoimhghín.Ó Snodaigh, Aengus.O'Dowd, Fergus.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.Twomey, Liam.Upton, Mary.Wall, Jack.

Tellers: Tá, Deputies Hanafin and Kelleher; Níl, Deputies Durkan and Stagg.

Question declared carried.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal for dealing with No. 15 agreed?

Mr. Durkan

No. The guillotine was invented by a doctor. It was allegedly invented as a more humane way of disposing of the Opposition.

Sadly, despite the good intentions of its inventor it proved to be a less than humane way for dealing with the situation in its own time. Similarly, in the present era the guillotine is used by the Government on a daily and an hourly basis to curtail legitimate debates in this House of the Oireachtas, to curtail the democratic process that has always been recognised in this State. I object strongly to the use of the guillotine, particularly in circumstances where the Government has the largest majority of any Government since 1977—

Deputies

Hear, hear.

An Ceann Comhairle

Silence for Deputy Durkan.

Mr. Durkan

It is a blatant abuse of the parliamentary system and it should only be used coming up to the Christmas recess or at the end of the year.

(Interruptions).

An Ceann Comhairle

Allow Deputy Durkan to continue, please.

Mr. Durkan

It is now being used on an hourly basis and it is eroding—

An Ceann Comhairle

Please make your point.

Mr. Durkan

—completely the parliamentary and democratic process that this House has been proud to uphold. I object strongly to its use.

A Deputy

Hear, hear.

Mr. Stagg

The Taoiseach is probably right when he says there is sufficient time to debate the Bill before the guillotine. However, the Government Whip, presumably on the instructions of the Taoiseach, refuses on a routine basis to have a debate without a guillotine. Discussion does not take place anymore at Whips' meetings. We are simply presented with a list and told to take it or leave it.

Mr. S. Ryan

Shame.

A Deputy

She is a bully.

Mr. Stagg

This could all be avoided if we had effective normal discussions and decisions at Whips' meetings. We are opposed to it for that reason.

Ms Lynch

Madame Guillotine.

Mr. Boyle

We are fast approaching a situation where the Government will have passed more legislation through the use of the guillotine than by the normal means of debate. Any Government that uses the guillotine on more than half the occasions—

(Interruptions).

An Ceann Comhairle

Allow Deputy Boyle to continue without interruption, please.

Mr. Boyle

—is a Government that is afraid of debate. It is afraid of having its programme exposed and it has no confidence in the legislation it puts before the House. On those grounds we oppose yet another guillotine in this House.

Mr. S. Ryan

On a point of order, is the purpose of the guillotine to prevent a—

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not a point of order, Deputy Ryan.

The Taoiseach

When I was Whip 20 years ago we used to resolve our difficulties in the bar, but obviously that does not happen now.

Mr. Allen

The position has changed a lot since then.

The Taoiseach

I remind the House that the Government Whip has allocated one hour to debate the Data Protection (Amendment) Bill that has no amendments on Committee or Report Stages. I am therefore at a loss to know what we will be debating for an hour.

Mr. Boyle

Then why is there a guillotine?

Question put: "That the proposal for dealing with No. 15 be agreed to."

Tá

Ahern, Bertie.Ahern, Dermot.Ahern, Michael.Ahern, Noel.Andrews, Barry.Ardagh, Seán.Aylward, Liam.Blaney, Niall.Brady, Johnny.Brady, Martin.Breen, James.Brennan, Seamus.Browne, John.Callanan, Joe.Callely, Ivor.Carey, Pat.Carty, John.Cassidy, Donie.Collins, Michael.Cooper-Flynn, Beverley.Coughlan, Mary.Cowen, Brian.

Cregan, John.Cullen, Martin.Curran, John.de Valera, Síle.Dempsey, Noel.Dempsey, Tony.Dennehy, John.Devins, Jimmy.Ellis, John.Finneran, Michael.Fitzpatrick, Dermot.Fleming, Seán.Fox, Mildred.Glennon, Jim.Hanafin, Mary.Haughey, Seán.Healy-Rae, Jackie.Hoctor, Máire.Jacob, Joe.Keaveney, Cecilia.Kelleher, Billy. Kelly, Peter.

Tá–continued

Killeen, Tony.Kirk, Seamus.Kitt, Tom.Lenihan, Brian.Lenihan, Conor.McCreevy, Charlie.McDowell, Michael.McEllistrim, Thomas.McGuinness, John.Martin, Micheál.Moloney, John.Moynihan, Donal.Moynihan, Michael.Mulcahy, 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.O'Malley, Tim.Parlon, Tom.Power, Peter.Power, Seán.Roche, Dick.Ryan, Eoin.Sexton, Mae.Smith, Brendan.Smith, Michael.Treacy, Noel.Wallace, Dan.Wallace, Mary.Walsh, Joe.Wilkinson, Ollie.

Níl

Allen, Bernard.Boyle, Dan.Breen, Pat.Broughan, Thomas P.Burton, Joan.Connaughton, Paul.Connolly, Paudge.Costello, Joe.Coveney, Simon.Crawford, Seymour.Crowe, Seán.Cuffe, Ciarán.Deasy, John.Deenihan, Jimmy.Durkan, Bernard J.English, Damien.Enright, Olwyn.Ferris, Martin.Gilmore, Eamon.Gogarty, Paul.Gormley, John.Harkin, Marian.Higgins, Joe.Higgins, Michael D.Kehoe, Paul.Kenny, Enda.Lynch, Kathleen.McCormack, Padraic.McGinley, Dinny.McGrath, Finian.

McManus, Liz.Mitchell, Olivia.Morgan, Arthur.Moynihan-Cronin, Breeda.Murphy, Gerard.Naughten, Denis.Neville, Dan.Noonan, Michael.Ó Caoláin, Caoimhghín.Ó Snodaigh, Aengus.O'Dowd, Fergus.O'Shea, Brian.O'Sullivan, Jan.Pattison, Seamus.Penrose, Willie.Perry, John.Quinn, Ruairí.Rabbitte, Pat.Ring, Michael.Ryan, Eamon.Ryan, Seán.Sargent, Trevor.Sherlock, Joe.Shortall, Róisín.Stagg, Emmet.Stanton, David.Timmins, Billy.Twomey, Liam.Upton, Mary.Wall, Jack.

Tellers: Tá, Deputies Hanafin and Kelleher; Níl, Deputies Durkan and Stagg.

Question declared carried.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal for dealing with No. 16 agreed to?

Mr. Kenny

I have already protested about the guillotine procedure and I wish to do so again on this matter.

Mr. Stagg

In the spirit of agreement and consensus, which is a hallmark of the Taoiseach, I ask the Government to remove the guillotine on this measure and I guarantee we will co-operate with the timescale within the order.

Ms Hanafin

I agree to that.

An Ceann Comhairle

The proposal is withdrawn. Is that agreed? Agreed. I call Deputy Kenny on the Order of Business.

Mr. Kenny

Arising from the US-led invasion of Iraq, the Iraqi Vice President has made it clear the response will be worldwide. In respect of the legislation promised in respect of the nuclear test ban treaty and Ireland's obligations thereunder, has the Taoiseach raised with the British Prime Minister the matter of increased safety at Sellafield? Is he happy that measures are being taken—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should submit a question to the Taoiseach on that matter. On the legislation coming before the House, the question is appropriate.

Mr. Kenny

—to ensure this will not become a threat to Ireland's population? Ireland has obligations under the promised Bill.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Taoiseach on the legislation.

Mr. Kenny

Due to the urgency involved, perhaps the Taoiseach will specifically raise the matter with the British Prime Minister.

The Taoiseach

The Deputy referred to the nuclear test ban treaty.

Mr. Kenny

Ireland has obligations under that convention.

The Taoiseach

Legislation may be required before the convention is ratified.

Mr. Kenny

I am interested in Sellafield.

An Ceann Comhairle

We cannot discuss what might be included in the legislation. I call Deputy Rabbitte.

Mr. Rabbitte

Is the Government prepared to allow time next week to debate the Iraq crisis?

Mr. Gormley

I have a question on the same matter.

An Ceann Comhairle

I do not think anything else arises. The question is whether a debate will be allowed. That is in order. Normally, it is passed on to the Whips.

Mr. Gormley

I wish to make a point.

An Ceann Comhairle

There is no other point to be made on the matter, Deputy. I call the Taoiseach.

Mr. Gormley

It is normal procedure.

An Ceann Comhairle

It is not normal procedure to waste the time of the House by repeating the same question.

Mr. Gormley

The Ceann Comhairle always talks about normal procedure.

An Ceann Comhairle

A number of Deputies have been complaining that Bills have been guillotined. If there was not so much repetition in the House, perhaps there would be more time to get on with Bills. I call the Taoiseach.

The Taoiseach

The matter is being discussed during Private Members' business this week and I dealt with it today during Leaders' Questions and Taoiseach's Question Time. If there is a change in the situation, I will keep in touch with the Whips. I have agreed to several debates on the matter since January. I will keep the matter under review but I do not see what will change to allow for a full debate.

Mr. Gormley

We are entitled—

(Interruptions).

An Ceann Comhairle

I call Deputy Naughten.

The Taoiseach

We had a debate today on the matter.

Mr. Gormley

How many Iraqi people must die—

Mr. J. Higgins

This is unbelievable.

An Ceann Comhairle

I call Deputy Naughten. If an issue is appropriate to the Order of Business, Deputies will have an opportunity to contribute. Allow Deputy Naughten to proceed, please.

Mr. Naughten

I want to ask the Taoiseach about two sets of promised legislation, the first of which relates to the recent partnership agreement. A commitment was given to introduce new legislative changes in regard to addressing inflation. In light of the fact that Irish Rail has again increased the charges and levies for passengers using its services, will the Taoiseach outline when these measures will be introduced and will the decision by Irish Rail be rescinded? When will the transport Bill be introduced?

The Taoiseach

There are two Bills relating to transport. The transport Bill will seek to reform public transport. The preliminary work and draft heads are expected next year. The Bill will not be in the House until next year. Preliminary work on the transport companies Bill is also under way. This will seek to establish Bus Éireann, Bus Átha Cliath and Iarnród Éireann as separate autonomous companies.

Mr. Naughten

What is the situation in regard to legislation relating to the partnership agreement?

The Taoiseach

There is no specific legislation in that regard. Most of these matters are linked to finance issues.

Ms McManus

Everyone in the country is aware of the growing crisis in the health service—

An Ceann Comhairle

Has the Deputy a question appropriate to the legislation? As it is 12.30 p.m., I would like to let some of her colleagues contribute.

Ms McManus

I would also like to ask my question.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should ask her question without a preamble.

Ms McManus

In November 2001, the Government launched the health strategy which was to tackle the problems in the health service. The Minister for Health and Children has made clear time and time again, both inside and outside the House, his commitment to the health strategy. Within that strategy there are clear commitments to promised legislation. I would like to ask the Taoiseach about legislation to provide for clear statutory provisions on entitlement to health and personal social services. The Bill was to have been published in 2002. I would also like to ask the Taoiseach about a commitment to establish a national hospital agency by the end of 2002. What has happened to that legislation? I want to ask him about a commitment made in the health strategy, including annual statements of funding processes and allocations to be published both by the Department and the health boards. This was to occur in 2002. Will the Taoiseach respond to my questions on three pieces of promised legislation?

The Taoiseach

The legislation to which the Deputy refers relates to the reform programme. It is not as yet included in the list of legislative measures, therefore, I suggest she puts down a question to the Minister for Health and Children.

An Ceann Comhairle

I call Deputy Gormley.

Ms McManus

I asked about promised legislation.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Taoiseach has answered the Deputy's question. We cannot have a debate each day when the Deputy submits a question to a Minister or the Taoiseach. I call Deputy Gormley.

Mr. Gormley

I want to ask about the International Criminal Court Bill to which I understand neither the Americans nor the Iraqis want to sign up.

An Ceann Comhairle

We cannot discuss the content of what might be included in the Bill or the Deputy's views on the matter. I call the Taoiseach on the legislation.

Mr. Gormley

Will the Ceann Comhairle indulge me for one moment, please?

An Ceann Comhairle

As long as the Deputy's question is appropriate to the Order of Business.

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not appropriate to the Order of Business.

Mr. Gormley

It is appropriate because the Taoiseach said this morning that this war is wrong, that all war is wrong.

An Ceann Comhairle

If the Deputy does not resume his seat I will proceed to the next item.

Mr. Gormley

Will the Taoiseach please provide time in the House for a debate on the situation in Iraq?

An Ceann Comhairle

That has already been discussed this morning.

Mr. Gormley

What about the International Criminal Court Bill?

The Taoiseach

The Bill is due to be published in the middle of the year.

Mr. Timmins

There is an industrial dispute in the Department of Agriculture and Food, farm organisations have not signed up to the new partnership agreement and Teagasc offices are closing—

An Ceann Comhairle

A question on promised legislation.

Mr. Timmins

Will the Taoiseach allow Government time in the House to debate the crisis in agriculture and related matters? Will he indicate when the land Bill will be introduced?

The Taoiseach

The heads of the Bill were approved in 2001 but required further work and discussion between the Department of Finance and the office of the Attorney General. It is hoped that the memorandum for Government and the heads of the Bill will be brought before the Government for approval next June.

Mr. Timmins

Will the Taoiseach agree to provide time to debate the crisis in agriculture?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is out of order.

Mr. Timmins

It is impossible to get time in this House to hold a debate on agriculture, despite the fact that the Taoiseach is happy to travel around the country and discuss agriculture issues.

An Ceann Comhairle

It is impossible to get time in the House because Deputies take up time on the Order of Business.

Mr. Timmins

Will the Taoiseach ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food to attend the House to debate outstanding issues?

An Ceann Comhairle

I call Deputy O'Sullivan.

Mr. Timmins

The Taoiseach is in favour of partnership, yet he will not allow a debate.

An Ceann Comhairle

I ask Deputy Timmins to resume his seat or leave the House. We will not spend the rest of the day on the Order of Business.

Mr. Timmins

The Taoiseach has discussed these matters outside the House, yet he will not allow a debate in the House.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy will leave the House if he does not resume his seat. I call Deputy O'Sullivan.

Ms O'Sullivan

I presume the State and Departments are expected to obey the law, yet dozens of schools around the country cannot obey the law on safety, health and welfare at work—

An Ceann Comhairle

A question on proposed legislation.

Ms O'Sullivan

—because the Department of Education and Science has not provided enough funding for repairs.

An Ceann Comhairle

Colleagues of the Deputy are offering. I will proceed to the next business in approximately five minutes.

Ms O'Sullivan

My question is on promised legislation. The Safety Health and Welfare at Work Bill is on the Government's legislative programme. Is the Government proceeding with it and will the Department of Education and Science provide the necessary funding to schools to enable them to comply with the proposed legislation?

The Taoiseach

The Bill will repeal the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989. It is due to be published in the middle of this year.

Ms O'Sullivan

Dozens of schools are in breach of the current legislation.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should submit a question to the Minister.

Mr. Allen

More than €8 million of taxpayers' money has been paid to bed and breakfast services, including more than €1 million to an individual in the Dublin area, in view of that fact—

An Ceann Comhairle

A question on legislation.

Mr. Allen

—when will the private rented sector Bill be introduced?

The Taoiseach

I hope the Bill will be published this month.

Ms Lynch

According to a recent report to all committees of the Southern Health Board, the board is already facing a financial crisis this year.

An Ceann Comhairle

If the Deputy does not have a question on legislation we will proceed to the next item.

Ms Lynch

Will the Taoiseach indicate if a Supplementary Estimate will be introduced to address the financial crisis in the health board?

An Ceann Comhairle

That question was asked and addressed yesterday.

The Taoiseach

There will be no Supplementary Estimate.

Mr. J. Breen

Given that Ireland will host the Special Olympics this year, will the Government, as a gesture of goodwill, introduce a Supplementary Estimate of €20 million to help people with disabilities?

An Ceann Comhairle

Is a Supplementary Estimate promised?

The Taoiseach

Not at this stage.

An Ceann Comhairle

Not promised. I call Deputy Stanton.

Mr. Stanton

Two Bills to deal with disability issues are promised, the education of persons with disabilities Bill and the disability Bill. Will the Taoiseach indicate which one will be published first? Is it the Government's intention to have one Bill enacted before the next one is introduced? There may be overlaps and contradictions in both Bills.

The Taoiseach

The intention is to have both Bills published before the summer when they can be jointly considered.

Mr. Durkan

Will the Taoiseach indicate if it is intended to revise An Agreed Programme for Government in view of Deputy McGuinness's concerns, which have been expressed both on and off the media?

An Ceann Comhairle

That does not arise on the Order of Business. I call Deputy Joe Higgins.

Mr. Durkan

Given that the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy O'Dea, has expressed an interest in negotiating between warring factions in Limerick city, perhaps he may act in a conciliation role between the two Government parties.

Mr. J. Higgins

In view of the Taoiseach's refusal to commit to a debate on the situation in Iraq next week despite the daily atrocities, which is an incredible position on his part, will he agree to take No. 48a on the Order Paper, a motion in my name and six independent Deputies, which would provide for an informed discussion on Iraq and for the Dáil to pronounce on the horrific and criminal invasion of the country.

The Taoiseach

I have accommodated several debates on Iraq. This morning I spent practically all of Leaders' Questions dealing with the position in Iraq, which is as it should be given the enormously important issue which concerns many people. I spent practically all of Taoiseach's Questions today dealing with the issue. Last week the Opposition leaders asked me to split my questions so that I could again deal with the American aspects of the war. I did that, and another 45 minutes was spent on the war today, in addition to the time spent yesterday. Private Members' business this week, where we supported the Fine Gael private Members' motion, also deals with the issue. The issue is being debated every day. To say we are not debating it is—

Mr. J. Higgins

Will the Taoiseach arrange for the holding of comprehensive debate?

The Taoiseach

The Dáil recently had a six hour debate.

Mr. J. Higgins

The situation changes daily.

The Taoiseach

I accept that and that is why the issue arises daily in the House. It is now 12.35 p.m. and we have discussed nothing other than the situation in Iraq here today.

Mr. Allen

We like to take advantage of the Taoiseach's presence in the House. The Minister for Health and Children recently announced the expansion of the national BreastCheck programme. Will the Taoiseach indicate how it is to be funded?

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not relevant to the Order of Business. The Deputy should submit a question to the Minister for Health and Children.

Mr. Allen

Will he introduce a supplementary budget?

The Taoiseach

Even though I left Luxembourg after midnight, I was still here on time this morning, which is more than can be said for many Deputies.

Mr. Allen

I am here for the duration.

The Taoiseach

There is no other supplementary estimate on this issue.

Mr. Costello

Last week I asked the Taoiseach about the private security firms Bill, which has been before the House for a little more than two years. I thank the Taoiseach for expediting matters.

An Ceann Comhairle

It is not appropriate to thank the Taoiseach at this stage. The Deputy will have to find another way of doing it. Has the Deputy a question on legislation?

Mr. Costello

I wanted to soften the Taoiseach up. When does the Taoiseach intend to introduce legislation to give effect to the holding of night and weekend courts, as promised in An Agreed Programme for Government?

The Taoiseach

It is not listed. Perhaps the Deputy should direct a question to the Minister.

Mr. Stanton

Will the Taoiseach indicate if it is intended to introduce secondary legislation or regulations to deal with the SARS virus, which appears to be dangerous and life threatening?

The Taoiseach

There must be a change to the infectious disease regulations of 1981. They have been amended today or were amended yesterday to designate the severe acute respiratory syndrome, known as the SARS virus, as a notifiable infectious disease.

Mr. Ring

Now that the pharmacies have been deregulated, will the Taoiseach indicate when the Pharmacy Bill will be introduced to the Dáil?

The Taoiseach

Work is under way on the drafting of the heads of a Bill to update and rationalise the Pharmacy Acts. They are expected to be completed by the end of the year with the legislation to be taken next year.