The Order of Business is No. 27, State Airports (Shannon Group) Bill 2014 [Seanad] - Report Stage (resumed) and Final Stage; No. 24, National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Bill 2014 - Report Stage (resumed) and Final Stage; and No. 25, Forestry Bill 2013 - Order for Report Stage and Report and Final Stages. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. tonight and shall adjourn not later than 10 p.m.; in the event a division is in progress at the time fixed for taking Private Members' business, which shall be No. 154, motion re free travel (resumed), Standing Order 121(3) shall not apply and Private Members' business shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 90 minutes; tomorrow’s business after oral questions shall be No. 4, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Bill 2014 - Order for Second Stage, Second and Remaining Stages; it is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the proceedings on the Second Stage of No. 4 on that day shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after two hours and five minutes and shall be confined to the opening speeches of a Minister or Minister of State and of the main spokespersons for Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Technical Group, who shall be called upon in that order, and who may share their time, and to a speech in reply by a Minister or Minister of State which shall not exceed five minutes; and the proceedings on the Committee and Remaining Stages shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 4.42 p.m. on that day 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 Finance.
Order of Business
There are three proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with the late sitting agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Private Members' business agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 4, Order for Second Stage, Second and Remaining Stages of the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Bill 2014, agreed to?
It is not agreed.
I call Deputy Adams.
The Government is trying to rush through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland Bill tomorrow. We have been waiting three years - six years since the crisis - to have a discussion on a proper stimulus, so we need to get this right. The programme for Government promised a strategic investment bank but this Bill falls far short of that. We have been arguing that the banks, and the State bank, lending to the real economy is an important piece of setting the economy on an upward track. It is not good enough for the Government to try to rush through this important Bill. It is important and crucial for some SMEs and for the economy and it deserves proper time for scrutiny and improvement. It should not be dealt with in a single day. We object to all Stages of the Bill being taken tomorrow.
It is necessary that this be got through because it will put in place a structure for assistance to be made available from the KfW Bank. I am quite sure Deputy Adams is interested in that. Clearly, at the end of any Dáil session, these things tend to become very pressurised. We have had no guillotine so far this year. I appreciate the support of Opposition parties on some of the technical elements of some of the Bills, but this is one that must be got through. The Minister for Finance has to move on with providing opportunities for access to credit for companies, which is all about the creation of jobs, and the Deputy will understand that.
I will put the question.
I call Deputy Martin on the Order of Business.
There was an expectation that resolutions in regard to the appointment of new Ministers to effect to the long-awaited Cabinet reshuffle might come before the House today. The body language of certain Ministers is getting worse by the day-----
By the hour.
-----and by the hour, as Deputy Mattie McGrath has helpfully suggested to me. It would be useful to the Dáil if we had some sense of when we can expect that announcement in terms of the scheduling of the Dáil. We just passed the announcement of the Order of Business. Does that indicate that there will not be an announcement today and, if that is the case, I would appreciate if the Taoiseach would let us know that, or will there be an announcement on the Cabinet reshuffle tomorrow? It is important in terms of the orderly business of the House-----
Paddy needs to know.
-----if for no other reason. We are entitled to have some sense of what the timeline will be either day or indeed tomorrow. It will involve resolutions being brought before the House, the ordering of the schedule of the House and contributions from the Government and Opposition.
The second item I want to raise is a serious one concerning older people in our community, particularly up to 35,000 over 70 year olds who are having their medical cards taken from them. However, the problem for many over 70 year olds who are suffering from a severe illness or who may have particular conditions is that they cannot get a discretionary medical card under the criteria that apply to the over 70 year olds.
They are being told they have to apply on the basis of the income thresholds applicable to people under 70 years of age. As a result, some very sick elderly people are losing their medical cards. All of us are receiving representations from the relatives of 80 and 90 year olds who are losing their medical cards because of the cut in the threshold introduced in the last budget. This applies even if they suffer from a severe condition that would in ordinary times merit a medical card. The relevant legislation is the universal primary care Bill which was promised in the programme for Government. It beggars belief that the Government is on the one hand promising the introduction of universal health cover and on the other is withdrawing vital medical cards from elderly people in this country who need them.
The Government is considering a number of options in respect of the roll-out of primary care services for the 0-6 years category and other different categories, including the over 70s. The Government has made the decision that all persons over 70 will be entitled to access to GP services.
No, some 35,000 medical cards have been withdrawn. The Government has done the opposite.
On 1 July, I sent the Deputy a letter setting out the process in respect of the universal primary Bill. It also sets out the timeframe for-----
People in nursing homes are losing their medical cards.
By the hour.
Does the Taoiseach not know that?
Sorry, Deputy, hold on a minute.
Is the Government in touch with the reality?
We are very much in touch with reality.
The Government is not-----
We are dealing now with promised legislation.
-----and that is patently obvious. What is happening is unbelievable.
I call Deputy Adams.
What about Deputy Martin's first question?
The latest revelation is that they are all getting medical cards.
Deputy, please.
It is very difficult to take this type of-----
The Deputy can raise issues like this during Leaders' Questions. This is the Order of Business.
The Taoiseach is a great man for saying black is white and white is black.
Deputy Adams.
I have a couple of ceisteanna regarding the health information Bill, the sale of alcohol Bill, the children first Bill and the clár an Rialtas. When will the health information Bill and sale of alcohol Bill be published? I recently read a report which revealed that there are 150,000 alcoholics in this State and that 1.35 million people are problem drinkers. Mar atá a fhios againn, ní aithníonn daoine go bhfuil fadhb acu. The issue of binge drinking is on the increase. The sale of alcohol Bill is important legislation which we welcome. However, when will it be published?
On the children first Bill, another report, this time from EUROSTAT, revealed that the average monthly crèche fees in this State are among the highest in Europe and that Ireland is one of the two states wherein child care workers are not required to have minimum qualifications. While there are many good child care workers the regulation of child care is, as I am sure the Taoiseach will agree, crucial to protect children and reassure parents. When will the new qualification requirements for the child care sector come into effect and when will the children's first Bill become law?
The clár an Rialtais commits to the promotion of recognition of Irish sign language. The Taoiseach will be aware that deaf citizens are marginalised and socially isolated. They are a minority group within society. The programme for Government commitment is a good one but funding for the national advocacy service for deaf people has been cut. Can this decision be reversed?
As I did not get an opportunity to reply to two of the questions asked by Deputy Martin, I wish to advise the House that there will be no change to the schedule of business today. If there is to be a change to the schedule for tomorrow, Members will be notified of it well in advance.
Sorry, did the Taoiseach say that there will not be any change to today's schedule of business?
There will not be any change.
There will be no announcement today.
There will be no change to the Order of Business for today as scheduled.
It is stuck in gear.
The Children First Bill is awaiting Committee Stage in the Dáil. The sale of alcohol Bill is due to be taken during the next session. I do not have a date in respect of publication of the health information Bill. Perhaps the Deputy would repeat the fourth question.
My question was about the promotion of the Irish sign language and the cuts to advocacy services for deaf people. It is a programme for Government commitment.
On the advocacy for deaf people, all of the applications for funding by Pobal were independently examined and assessed. Unfortunately, following assessment the advocacy service for the deaf was not deemed eligible for funding. There is an independent appeals process available and the body has been advised to avail of it. I will communicate with the Deputy on the Irish sign language legislation.
Deputy Shortall.
I have two questions for the Taoiseach relating to promised legislation. It was disappointing to learn last night that the interdepartmental working group on sports sponsorship by the alcohol industry has only met twice, namely, last December and February this year. It would seem that that there is no political leadership in respect of this working group. Can the Taoiseach assure the House that this pressing issue will be taken seriously and will he provide leadership in ensuring that alcohol sponsorship will be addressed in the context of the long promised public health (alcohol) Bill?
The Deputy might consider raising the matter by way of parliamentary question.
It is promised legislation. The Taoiseach must be aware that we have a serious problem with alcohol.
Yes, but we cannot debate it on the Order of Business.
This matter requires the Taoiseach's leadership rather than long-fingering. On the promised legislation regarding the award of medical cards on the grounds of medical conditions, while the announcement in this regard is welcome a serious situation has arisen in that applications for discretionary medical cards-----
Deputy, please. I need your assistance. You know the rules.
------from 1 July last up to the publication of that legislation will not get adequate attention. I am speaking in particular of parents of sick children who apply for a discretionary medical in respect of which there are currently no clear guidelines.
What Bill is the Deputy inquiring about?
It is promised legislation to award medical cards on the grounds of medical condition.
Is a Bill promised?
When can we expect that Bill to be published and will the Government put in place a regime to allow for sympathetic consideration of medical card applications for new applicants until such time as that legislation has been enacted?
Deputy Shortall is incorrect in stating that the clinic panel was set up to award medical cards based on medical conditions. It was set up to assess the nature, scale and criteria of medical conditions that will lead to access to medical facilities for people.
I know that.
The Deputy is saying that ultimately if a person has a common cold he or she should get a medical card.
No, I am not.
Deputy Shortall did not say that.
The country cannot afford that. The clinical panel is operational and will set out the medical conditions that will apply in respect of access to medical facilities.
I know that.
On the Deputy's other question-----
Sorry, Taoiseach-----
Sorry, Deputy please resume your seat.
-----regarding sports sponsorship by the alcohol industry I have already made it perfectly clear that the committee concerned is being chaired by the Department of the Taoiseach and is due to report by the end of this year and will do so. It had a great deal of work to do during the past couple of months. The committee has commenced its work and I intend to ensure that it completes its work and produces its work within the stated time, which is the end of 2014.
The committee has not met since February.
I call Deputy Naughten.
It needs leadership.
Please resume your seat, Deputy.
On the question of medical cards-----
Resume your seat.
-----I am asking the Taoiseach-----
I am on my feet. Please resume your seat.
------what will happen in respect of applications for discretionary medical cards for sick children in the meantime.
Resume your seat please.
What will happen-----
I will have to ask the Deputy to leave the House if she does not resume her seat.
-----between now and when the legislation is in place?
Deputy, stop ignoring the Chair, please. I have called Deputy Naughten. Deputy Naughten when I call you please rise in your place and ask your question. Otherwise, and lest the Deputy thinks it is a bit of a joke, I will not call him.
I do not think it is a bit of a joke at all, a Cheann Comhairle.
Thank you.
I do not propose to try to compete with a number of people. I would like to ask about two pieces of promised legislation. Two weeks ago, we were promised legislation on the issuance of medical cards to women on whom the symphysiotomy procedure had been performed. What is the status of that legislation? Has it been shelved?
Currently, the Prison Service spends €30,000 per annum on electronic tags, the majority of which are in a cardboard box in Longford. We were promised new legislation that would allow for these electronic tags to be extended to high risk sex offenders post-release from prison. The relevant legislation is the criminal law (sexual offences) (amendment) Bill.
When will we see the Bill? In light of the fact that it does not seem to be receiving the priority it deserves, can we ensure amending legislation will be brought forward so we will not be exposing women and children to unacceptable and preventable risks?
The Bill in respect of sexual offences was promised for later this year. There is work being done in the parliamentary counsel's office on that. I will advise the Deputy on the progress being made. I am not aware of the difficulties in regard to the medical cards for those women who endured the cruelty of symphysiotomy but I will consult the Minister for Health to see what the position is.
Mar is eol don Taoiseach, tá úinéirí Greyhoud Recycling tar éis laghdú uafásach - 35% - a dhéanamh ar thuarastal na n-oibrithe. Tá siad tar éis iad a ghlasáil amach as an bhfoirgneamh freisin. Tá na hoibrithe tar éis cabhair iontach a thabhairt do na húinéirí go dtí seo. Ghlac siad le níos mó uaireanta an chloig a oibriú gan aon chostas-----
What legislation are we talking about?
The workplace relations legislation. Deireann an comhlacht go bhfuil an LRC tar éis 35% a chinniúint, ach níl sé sin fíor. Given that this is so important and that the Taoiseach signed off on the legislation yesterday, which I welcome, can he commit to the House that it will be published before the end of this term? We have been waiting for it for three years. A large number of industrial relations problems are arising under current conditions.
Will the Taoiseach commit to a review of domestic waste collection and waste management services? They are imploding at present because of a race to the bottom with regard to wages.
Beidh an chéad Bhille a luaigh an Teachta foilsithe roimh deireadh na seachtaine seo. Beidh cead ag chuile duine a gcuid tuairimí faoi a phlé ag an am sin.
There is some work going on in respect of domestic waste. I cannot give the Deputy the detail on it now but I will advise him on it.
I want to ask the Taoiseach about the long-overdue Government responses to and the Dáil debates on the Constitutional Convention reports. We are awaiting the Government's official response to the report on Dáil electoral reform. That was due last December. The deadline for the Government's response to the convention's fifth report, on the right to vote of citizens resident outside the State, was 26 March. Therefore, it is three months overdue. The deadline for the Government's response to the convention’s sixth report, on blasphemy, was 27 May. It is now one month overdue. Can the Taoiseach state why there are delays and when we might expect a response? More important, when will there be a debate and consequent action on foot of the reports?
I am sorry that we are well behind time on a number of these. The problem has been with the individual Departments on the basis of the recommendations made by the Constitutional Convention. I understand from the senior people dealing with this that one of the convention reports will be back for consideration by the Government and, therefore, discussion. I cannot give the Deputy the details on the others at the moment. I would have believed that we might have been in a position to have these debated long before now. I apologise for not being able to comply with the dates we had set out.
The position is that the Government was to respond within a period. It was to be the case that if the Government were to say it examined report X and agreed that there should be a referendum on the point of points in question, an indicative timeline would be given in that regard. Obviously, one of those points concerns the referendum on marriage equality, to be held next spring. The Government has yet to make a decision on a number of other recommendations in convention reports that we have debated here. They will now be backed up by further convention debates, with other recommendations. Obviously, the Government will not be able to hold all the referendums and must make a decision on what ones it should hold in conjunction with the marriage equality referendum next spring. I will advise the Deputy and the House when the report comes back. The difficulty lay in a number of analyses to be carried out by various Departments of some of the recommendations.
I want to ask about the county enterprise boards dissolution legislation. Thousands of people are coming up to Dublin today from the country to protest. The Leader partnerships are being disbanded in addition to the county enterprise boards and are being taken under the wing of the county council. The council was instructed by the Department not to put members on the boards of those.
The second item I wish to raise concerns the Court of Appeal Bill 2014. Will the Taoiseach acknowledge that there are significant delays in the courts, which are about to rise in two weeks for the summer? Justice delayed is justice denied. People are surely entitled to recourse to the law. We had a referendum to have a new court. What is the position on that? Could the Taoiseach advise the House on the current position on the Bill?
The Second Stage debate on the Court of Appeal Bill 2014 will be this Friday. It is progressing well and I hope it will move along.
The legislation on the county enterprise boards has already been enacted. Obviously, people are entitled to tender for works that are on offer-----
Will the Taoiseach go out and meet the representatives?
-----so there will be transparency and accountability regarding how public money is being spent.
The Teaching Council (vetting and protection of children and vulnerable persons) Bill is promised legislation to put in place statutory provisions underpinning the role of the Teaching Council in the vetting arrangements for registered teachers. To what extent has the preparation of that Bill advanced? When is it likely to come before the House?
The climate action and low carbon development Bill is promised legislation that I have raised on a number of occasions over the past 12 months. When is it likely to come before the House? Have the heads been cleared by the Government? Is it likely to be passed this year?
The climate action and low carbon development Bill is complicated. It is being worked upon, and it will be the next session before it is actually published and dealt with.
The Teaching Council (vetting and protection of children and vulnerable persons) is due for next year.
I seek clarification. In reply to Deputy Martin, did the Taoiseach say people over the age of 70 are now to get GP visit cards automatically? Is that correct? That is clearly what I heard.
That is not legislation.
I seek clarification on an answer given on the Order of Business. Is my understanding correct? Did the Taoiseach tell Deputy Martin that people over the age of 70 will automatically get a GP visit card?
Yes.
The Deputy will have to table a question.
Under what legislation? Will new legislation be needed? When will we see that?
Obviously, we are considering a number of policy options regarding how these will be rolled out as we move towards universal health insurance.
Has the Taoiseach the legislation to do that?
The Taoiseach has answered the question.
Is separate legislation required?
No; I do not believe one needs legislation to do it.
One does.
The Taoiseach does not believe we need it.
We made the policy decision.
When is it proposed to bring forward and enact legislation to implement the recommendations of the Cooke report on GSOC? This is obviously critical to bring a satisfactory conclusion to recent events and restore confidence in the police force.
The heads have been published. Public consultation is under way and, obviously, the Minister will return in September or October with further progress on that.
I wish to return very briefly to the issue raised by Deputy McDonald on the Constitutional Convention and the outstanding reports. The convention was launched with great fanfare and the timescales were set by the Government. The citizen members, in particular, made a phenomenal commitment to the whole endeavour, and their sense of pride in their participation was obvious. The problem and what bothers me is that this level of commitment by the citizens is not being reciprocated by the Government. I ask the Taoiseach to impress upon the Departments that have not yet reported to him the vital nature of the work done. The Departments should accord to the endeavour the same priority that the Taoiseach and citizen members accorded to it.
The Whip has already written specifically to each Department to deal with the recommendations and the requirement for the Departments to respond. We addressed that in the report discussions here just a few weeks ago.
What is the current position on the human tissue Bill? It is of significant importance to those involved in research, especially anatomy departments.
We do not have a date for that yet. I can advise the Deputy on the progress made as movement is made in the preparation of the heads.