Enda Kenny
Question:1 Mr. Kenny asked the Taoiseach his legislative priorities for the remainder of 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11478/03]
Ceisteanna–Questions. - Legislative Programme.
Joe Higgins
Question:2 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Taoiseach the legislative priorities of his Department for the current session of Dáil Éireann. [11482/03]
Pat Rabbitte
Question:3 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Taoiseach his legislative proposals for the remainder of 2003; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13493/03]
Trevor Sargent
Question:4 Mr. Sargent asked the Taoiseach his legislative priorities for the remainder of the current session of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13614/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 4, inclusive, together.
My Department has two items of legislation for the 29th Dáil.
On a point of order. A Cheann Comhairle, I request that you reflect on that matter.
I am sorry, but that is not a point of order. If the Deputy has a problem with the Chair's ruling, he may come to my office. I would be delighted to discuss it with him.
My Department has two items of legislation, the National Economic and Social Development Office Bill 2002 and the Interpretation Bill 2002. The National Economic and Social Development Office Bill commenced Second Stage on 28 May. The Second Stage is scheduled to resume tomorrow.
In the legislative programme published for this session, the Abbotstown sports centre authority Bill is listed to be published before the summer recess 2003. There appears to be confusion about that. The Progressive Democrats want nothing to do with it, and the Taoiseach's party obviously does. Are media reports this morning true when they claim that the project has been shelved for good and that this legislation is therefore unnecessary and could be replaced with something such as disability rights?
In the context of being a sporting person himself, I ask the Taoiseach how it is that in Portugal, for instance, seven stadia are being built for the European Championships next year at a cost of less than €500 million. Perhaps the Taoiseach might clear up once and for all whether it is intended to go ahead with the Abbotstown project or if the legislation is to be shelved.
I have no legislation on Abbotstown. However, to be helpful, I can say that the report being written in conjunction with the Office of Public Works and the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism should be available next month. The relevant people have not even reported yet.
I call Deputy Rabbitte.
I have no question.
Given this Government's abysmal record in combating greenhouse gas emissions, will the legislative programme reflect the priority that the issue must be given? There is an absence of legislation dealing with it and of any effective action being taken under the present raft of legislation already in place. Does the Taoiseach recognise that there is a clear failure in the Government system when we are at the bottom of the European league for combating climate change and will face significant financial as well as climatic implications based on the Government's lack of priority for this area in legislation and in general?
The question would have been more appropriate for the Minister concerned.
I note what the Deputy has stated. Perhaps he might table a question for the relevant Minister. I deal only with my own legislative measures.
The Taoiseach previously stated here that he would personally take ownership of facilitating the presence and participation of representatives from the Six Counties in the north-east of our island. Is he contemplating legislation, constitutional changes or a simple change in Standing Orders to facilitate the proposal? As he has said that he would take personal ownership of the issue, can he indicate the timeframe within which he will endeavour to secure the necessary agreement of all parties in both Houses of the Oireachtas?
I do not believe that the matter will require legislation, but I am taking a personal interest. Given the co-operation of Members on issues regarding the Good Friday Agreement and matters relevant to the whole island, it could be done by amending Standing Orders. That is the advice I have received.