It is proposed to take No. 11, motion re Shannon Airport and development of the mid-west region on the conclusion of No. 16. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on No. 11 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 3.30 p.m. today and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) the speeches of a Minister or Minister of State and of the main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party and the Labour Party, who shall be called upon in that order, shall not exceed 20 minutes in each case; (ii) the speech of each other Member called upon shall not exceed ten minutes in each case; (iii) Members may share time; (iv) a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a speech in reply which shall not exceed ten minutes. Private Members' business shall be No. 16, motion re cancer services (resumed), to be taken immediately after the Order of Business and to conclude after 90 minutes.
Order of Business.
There is one proposal to be put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 11 agreed? Agreed.
The Government has published its legislative programme for this session. It contains 17 Bills which, it is expected, will be published between now and the start of the next session.
I wish to raise a matter concerning No. 11. The time allocated for No. 11 is shorter than was originally allocated for it. A number of speaking slots will, therefore, be lost. Will the Government consider adding half an hour to the time scheduled for this debate, to restore speaking slots which would have been available had the matter been discussed yesterday?
Unfortunately, I cannot accommodate the Deputy's request.
The legislative programme has been published by the Government.
I did not hear the Tánaiste's answer to Deputy Stagg's question.
I am not in a position to accommodate Deputy Stagg's request.
The Tánaiste is in a position to accommodate it.
Why not? It is only a matter of half an hour.
I join Deputy Stagg in appealing to the Tánaiste and to the Chief Whip. This is only a facilitation to allow for the widest possible participation in this important debate. The request is not excessive, given today's schedule. We finish earlier today than on other days of the week. Surely the request can easily be acceded to? Given the importance of the Shannon-Heathrow link and in the spirit of addressing the matter comprehensively, acceding to the request is the appropriate answer. I join Deputy Stagg in appealing for a reconsideration of the Tánaiste's answer.
Yesterday's schedule was altered because of the decision of the Opposition to put down a confidence motion. We are now dealing with the business as scheduled.
For the third time, we have a list of 17 Bills to be published between the start of this session and the start of the next. It is now 12 weeks since the Dáil last met. The Government has done no work in putting together a structure for Dáil committees. What Dáil committees is it proposed to form? When can we expect proposals from the Government Whip on this matter? How are these Bills to be dealt with if a committee structure is not in place? Given the significantly increased membership of Fine Gael in the House, we have put proposals to the Government Whip that the d'Hondt system, which operates in most European countries, would apply in respect of membership of committees and responsibility for running them. What committees will be established and when will we see proposals for their formation?
It is, unfortunately, too late for the two firemen who lost their lives yesterday that I refer to the Farrell Grant Sparks report of 2002. That report pointed out that it was 25 years since a major revamp of fire services throughout Ireland had been carried out and made recommendations to improve the situation. Can we see a report on this matter in due course?
The Tánaiste was Minister for Foreign Affairs during Ireland's last EU Presidency. He did a good job. During that time, Ireland opened diplomatic relations with the junta in Burma. What is the present position in that regard? Does Ireland have diplomatic relations with Burma? If so, are they being used to bring to bear any impact in respect of what is happening there?
I join the Leader of the Opposition in conveying the sympathy of the House to the families of Brian Murray and Mark O'Shaughnessy who lost their lives while doing their job as fire fighters in Bray yesterday. In regard to the fire service generally, we have completed the first phase of a fire service change and modernisation programme which focused initially on the enhancement of fire fighter health, safety and welfare. There has been an updated auxiliary safety statement template for the service to comply with the 2005 legislation, with a new national incident command system, revised breathing apparatus guidelines and associated training and training materials, and a critical incident stress management system to assist fire fighters in dealing with the aftermath of traumatic and stressful incidents. This matter is ongoing between the fire service and various local authorities. There will be an investigation, carried out by the statutory authorities and agencies, the HSE, the Garda Síochána and Wicklow County Council, into this latest incident involving the tragic loss of the lives of two fire fighters. We have asked the local authority to make its findings available to the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
On the question of the committee structure, the Chief Whip has initiated discussions with the Opposition Whips with a view to arriving at a consensus in the coming week on how and which committees will operate. That requires further discussion between the Whips. I hope they can come to a conclusion as soon as possible, as it is in the interests of everyone in the House that we find an agreed way forward.
In regard to the matter raised by Deputy Higgins, we work through the European Union mechanism, in the main, through ASEAN and ASEM, in dealing with the regime in question. That regime is, rightly, a pariah in the international community. I agree with Deputy Higgins that we should express our support for and solidarity with those who are trying to maintain basic civil and human rights for the Burmese people. The reaction of the military regime in recent days is a cause for serious concern, particularly in view of what happened the last time there was a public protest on a large scale, which resulted in the loss of 3,000 lives when people were murdered in the streets. This is a regime which has practically cut itself off from all international engagements. In the fora in which we dealt with that part of the world during our Presidency the attendance of the Burmese, let alone engagement with them, was a matter of serious dispute. It behoves the international community to require the powers that operate in that region to use what limited powers they have in making sure the regime in Burma understands the international community will not tolerate a repetition of what happened in 1988 when there was a major conflagration in the streets. This is a country which for more than 40 years now has been in the grip of a military junta and whose people have suffered greatly. I hope their courageous efforts on this occasion will meet with greater success.
I too join the Tánaiste and Deputy Kenny in extending sympathy to the Murray and O'Shaughnessy families on their tragic loss yesterday. When the period of grieving is over, the House might usefully return to the Farrell Grant Sparks report on the organisation of the fire service which was published in 2002. Among its recommendations was the establishment of a national fire authority which might address the possibility of setting up a full-time fire service, as distinct from a part-time service, in larger urban areas.
I have one issue to raise on the Order of Business. I have been reading the schedule of business for next week. It appears that many of the legislative proposals relate to matters which have, happily, waited over the summer period. Would the Tánaiste consider making some time available next week to allow the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come into the House and discuss the deteriorating crime situation? A man was shot in Finglas on Sunday. A garda was shot in the course of his duty during the week. There was another shooting last night. We have a serious problem of gun crime and gangland shootings. The House should have an opportunity of addressing it. Given the relative lightness of business next week, will the Tánaiste arrange for a debate on crime with the Minister?
Consideration can be given to that matter in discussions between the Whips in preparation for next week's business. The Government has been discussing it at some length at recent Cabinet meetings. The Taoiseach has allowed a considerable amount of time for it in next week's agenda. There was a further serious incident last night. Occurring in the same week when a garda carrying out his duties on behalf of the public was so callously shot and injured, it is a reminder that there are people who are prepared to put human life at risk for their own selfish ends. I reiterate the determination of the Government to rid society of that problem, with their co-operation and help. I remind the House that we have undertaken an unprecedented programme of resourcing the Garda and reforming the criminal justice system, including a range of legislative measures to combat crime, in particular gun crime. It is a phenomenon in our society, of which we must be wary and do everything we can to deal with it. It indicates a deterioration in the fabric of our society that there are people of such a callous nature who are prepared to gun down unarmed gardaí who carry out their duties on our behalf and are a bulwark of our democratic life.
I join other Members in extending sympathy to the families bereaved as a result of the tragic fire in Bray yesterday. This is a tragedy that raises issues of safety and training and matters pertinent to the role of the volunteer fire fighter. It is something we will have to address comprehensively at some time in the future.
On the Order of Business, will the Government schedule a debate on the latest report of the Comptroller and Auditor General which highlights what can only be described as scandalous mismanagement on the part of the Government in a whole raft of areas? It relates not only to the Government but also to the HSE, specifically in regard to the ongoing cost of the failed PPARS. The Comptroller and Auditor General also speaks about the continuing failure of the Government's public private partnership experiment. The word "failure" is not too strong a word. It is a matter we have both addressed previously, although taking opposite views. The Comptroller and Auditor General referred particularly to the experimental provision of five schools within the school system. He has highlighted massive tax evasion by landlords and many other issues that must be addressed substantively. We need to debate his most recent report. Will the Government accommodate such a debate at the earliest possible opportunity?
Debates on matters such as the Comptroller and Auditor General's report are normally dealt with in committee, be it the Committee of Public Accounts or the finance and the public service committee. That is the means by which this is done. They may also be considered in plenary session on the floor of the House if the Whips so decide. There will be many opportunities, as there always are, to discuss reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General given his constitutional role.
I do not agree with Deputy Ó Caoláin in respect of public private partnerships. Such partnerships have played an important role in the physical and social regeneration of communities in O'Devaney Gardens, St. Michael's Estate and Ballymun.
We all welcome development. It is how it is funded that matters.
It is time to recognise the role played by public private partnerships. They do not replace traditional procurement policy but they do play an important role in this area. There are many examples of where they have proven to be of extraordinary assistance in transforming areas at great speed. I have already named three.
There are problems in St. Michael's Estate.
Can we address the Comptroller's concerns?
I ask the Chair's indulgence in proposing that we send our best wishes to the athletes due to leave for Beijing this weekend to take part in the Special Olympics.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
There probably will be one bright spot for us this year in terms of medals for sport. All of our good wishes go with them. I wish them the very best of luck.
I received an assurance from the Taoiseach at the beginning of this session in respect of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2004. Many people hoping to buy their own homes are getting older and may not qualify for mortgages yet they see their neighbours, having purchased their homes, opting to sell and move on. The Bill appears to have slipped from the list. Will the Tánaiste tell the House the position in this regard?
I understand the Bill will be taken early next year. I join with Deputy Lynch in sending best wishes to the athletes travelling to Shanghai. I was glad to have been able to provide in my last budget a significant allocation to the organisation involved.
If I may, I want to ask two questions of the Tánaiste. On the proposed constitutional amendment on children's rights, a formulation of words was almost finalised prior to the general election. Does the Government intend to proceed with one or two questions by way of advancing and protecting the rights of children and when will we see proposals in that regard?
The Civil Unions Bill 2006 was deemed to have passed Second Stage during the summer recess. The Tánaiste may recall that a vote was taken in the House to defer its passage for a period of time. Does the Government intend to process the Bill through committee and if so, will it be done during this session?
On the first matter, the Taoiseach, in response to questions yesterday, conveyed the wishes of the new Minister of State with responsibility for children to continue with the work engaged in by the committee established by the former Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan. It is intended to establish a joint standing committee of the Houses of the Oireachtas and to provide it with the resources required to ensure the building of a consensus on the wording to be put to the people during the course of next year.
On the Civil Unions Bill 2006, I am informed a Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006 is awaiting referral to a committee.
The Civil Union Bill 2006 was deemed to have passed Second Stage during the recess by order of this House. The Bill does not appear on the Order Paper although it should. Is it the Government's intention to proceed with it separate from the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2006?
I revert to the Deputy, the Bill is not, as he says, on the Order Paper.
There was considerable disappointment and surprise that one of the first decisions made by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Eamon Ryan, was the abolition of an important grant scheme which enabled householders to install renewable energy systems in their homes. All we have now is the promise of a Supplementary Estimate for a very minimalist scheme. When is it intended this Supplementary Estimate will be introduced and will the Tánaiste ensure sufficient money is provided to allow the scheme continue into the future?
The Minister, Deputy Ryan, and I have had discussions on the matter. We are eager to ensure we plan for the years ahead in budgetary terms in order to allow people to meet their energy requirements through exploitation of the greener home scheme and various other schemes instigated by his predecessor. The Minister, in an effort to ensure proper management of his budget this year, is making arrangements, by way of discussion, not alone for this year but for future years. Detailed discussions in this regard will take place prior to the forthcoming budget. Given the new budgetary reforms, the Estimates will show existing levels of service provision for next year with all taxation and expenditure decisions being made on budget day.
I do not wish to anticipate the outcome of our discussions except to say that both the Minister and I, recognising the importance of these schemes and the role they can play in the future, intend to reach some decisions in our bilateral discussions.
I would like some clarification. Does that mean all the talk about a Supplementary Estimate is nothing more than flim-flam? A simple yes or no is all I want.
No, it does not mean that.
Deputy McManus will be aware that the matter does not arise on the Order of Business.
Since the summer, we have witnessed extraordinary turmoil in the financial markets with depositors queueing outside Northern Rock to withdraw their money. Given the Dáil was in recess, it was impossible to engage in any kind of debate with the Minister for Finance in respect of this important event and whether, in terms of our economic situation, there will be a need for Supplementary Estimates given the fall in revenues in respect of stamp duty. The finance and public service committee seems nowhere near convening. We do not know whether it will convene next month, the month after or Christmas.
Will the Tánaiste allow time for a debate in respect of the enormous changes and turmoil in the economy here and on a worldwide basis? Also, will he guarantee Irish bank depositors, over and beyond the minimal guarantee currently in operation, that their savings are secure even where they bank on-line?
The Whips are responsible for the provision of time for economic debates in the House or in committee. I have always welcomed such debates and look forward to such debate being arranged.
On the general question raised by the Deputy, I am glad to say that the financial institutions in Ireland, under our regulatory and supervisory authorities, are in good shape and have a strong liquid position.
While what the Tánaiste is saying is very interesting, we cannot have a debate on the matter now. I call Deputy Naughten.
Is the Tánaiste saying he is willing to provide time for a debate? This is probably the most important issue for many Irish homeowners.
The Deputy will have to find another way of raising the matter. I call Deputy Naughten.
Is the Tánaiste willing to make time available for a debate on the economy?
I have given the Deputy a great deal of latitude.
The Ceann Comhairle probably does not use on-line banking. Many people queued outside Northern Rock too.
I am sure there is another way of raising the matter and I am sure Deputy Burton will do so.
Is the Government prepared to make time for a debate? There is no finance committee in which we can discuss any of this.
The Tánaiste has replied already.
The Whips are appointed to deal with these issues.
This is news to us.
I have every confidence in the collegiate nature of the Whips. I am looking at Deputy Stagg in particular who is well known for his co-operative nature. The first item on his agenda will be the establishment of the Deputy's finance and public service committee. I look forward to discussing these matters at the earliest opportunity.
I thank the Minister for the clarification.
Fixed speed cameras will be rolled out in the coming months but 10% of the population will be exempt because penalty points and fines cannot be attached to foreign licences. When will the criminal justice (mutual recognition of financial penalties) Bill come before the House? Will it deal with this issue?
It is not possible to indicate when the Bill will come before the House. Perhaps a parliamentary question to the line Minister with the opportunity for supplementaries will divine more detail.
I am asking the Tánaiste.
Given the unfolding disaster in the construction industry in Leinster, with thousands of homes and infrastructural projects having to be completely rebuilt due to the presence of defective infill, does the Government plan a major investigation into the matter? Will new legislation or building regulations be introduced? The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has been invisible on this problem and does not want to know about it, even though thousands of young householders with huge mortgages who face colossal negative equity are utterly distraught because their homes are virtually worthless.
Is legislation promised in this area?
Not to my knowledge.
The question is out of order.