Order of Business

The Tánaiste

The Order of Business is No. 17a, motion re membership of committee; No. 45, Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Bill 2014 [Seanad] - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; No. 9, Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015 - Second Stage (resumed); No. 42, Roads Bill 2014 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; and No. 43, Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill 2015 - Second Stage (resumed).

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) in the event of the resumed Second Stage of the Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015 not concluding by 4.42 p.m. today, the Dáil shall sit later than 5.30 p.m., and shall adjourn on the conclusion of Topical Issues, which shall take place on the conclusion of proceedings on the Second Stage of the Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015; and (2) No. 17a shall be decided without debate.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Is the proposal for dealing with the late sitting agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 17a, motion re membership of committee, without debate, agreed to? Agreed.

Deputy Timmy Dooley

Yesterday in the Dáil the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, stated:

We need additional resources for the fair deal scheme, home care packages and home help provision.

As the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, and Mr. Tony O'Brien have outlined, there are three options for achieving these objectives. We could opt to reprioritise spending within the health Vote or we could bring forward a spending plan later in the year. The third option, pretending the problem will somehow go away in the summer, is not really an option. That is a total nonsense and fewer and fewer people believe it.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Is there legislation promised?

Deputy Timmy Dooley

He also stated:

When it comes to a decision on the three options, it is not one I can make on my own; it must be done in conjunction with the Cabinet committee on health and the Economic Management Council. All members of the Cabinet committee and the EMC are fully apprised of the situation and have been since November.

My first question to the Tánaiste is whether the Minister for Health is being isolated by the EMC. That is something she will appreciate because prior to her elevation to the position of Tánaiste she felt, as Minister for Social Protection, that she was on the periphery of decisions that were made. In light of her own experience I hope she will have some reassuring words for the Minister for Health and assist him with his dilemma.

Will there be a Revised Estimate to assist the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, in dealing with the very difficult situation in which elderly patients find themselves in our acute hospitals?

The Tánaiste

As the Deputy knows, the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, got a historic level of additional resources in the budget, and we are only a couple of months into the financial year.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

It will get worse though.

The Tánaiste

He got very significant additional resources for last year and very significant additional resources for this year. The Minister has welcomed that. He also had additional resources, as the Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has had, of €25 million in regard to the fair deal scheme.

Deputy Barry Cowen

Her plan was to charge the patients.

The Tánaiste

I am sure the Minister for Health and the HSE will sit down with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to go through the options for departmental efficiencies, particularly on the significant cost of drugs, so as to provide the best possible delivery of services to the people the Deputy talked about.

Deputy Mary Lou McDonald

I wish to raise two items. First, can the Tánaiste advise us when we might see the water services (amendment) Bill?

Second, I am increasingly concerned about the way in which the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Alan Kelly, is handling the new social inclusion community activation programme, SICAP. The entire process has been flawed from the start and there is a major concern over the impact on jobs and community services. Organisations have essentially been pitted against each other to bid for funding in the most appalling manner. Workers have been excluded from the entire process and there has been no negotiation or bargaining with them. They gathered last week outside the Minister, Deputy Kelly's Department to ask him to engage with them.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

A question please, Deputy.

Deputy Mary Lou McDonald

Estimates of funding cuts range from 7% to 38%. They will be utterly devastating in my own constituency area. In light of this, will the Tánaiste support an urgent Dáil debate on this matter? The Minister, Deputy Kelly, should discuss and rationalise, if he can, the flawed nature of the social inclusion community activation programme. The process is deeply unfair to workers and will have negative consequences for the communities involved.

The Tánaiste

I understand that the water services (amendment) (no. 2) Bill is to come before the Government shortly.

Deputy Barry Cowen

When?

The Tánaiste

Second, regarding the issues the Deputy raised concerning SICAP, the Minister inherited a situation where there was a tender process in place.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

It looks like they are gone.

The Tánaiste

As I understand it, that tender process is still under way and is due to conclude in the near future. As the Deputy will understand, it would not be advisable to comment on any detail of that tender process while it is under way. However, when the tender process has concluded, it will be a matter for the Whips if they want to arrange a debate. The best mechanism is for the Deputy or her party Whip to take that up with the other Whips.

Deputy Mary Lou McDonald

There has been no consultation with the workers in the sector. She just brushed that off. It is astonishing for the Labour Party.

Deputy Denis Naughten

I wish to raise two issues with the Tánaiste. Earlier this month, the parents of children with Down's syndrome met the Minister for Education and Skills on the need to fast-track learning supports to end what they describe as educational discrimination for children who have been officially diagnosed with mild Down's syndrome. It will cost about €1 million to put these supports in place. Can the Tánaiste assure the House that they will be put in place by September? I will tell the Tánaiste where the money can be obtained.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

We cannot have a debate on that now, Deputy.

Deputy Denis Naughten

It is on promised legislation. At the moment, the Department of Education and Skills is spending €1.5 million on issuing payslips to teachers. It would be far better to put that money into supporting children within our education system rather than spending it on issuing payslips. In that context, does the Government intend to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities before the end of this Government's lifetime?

My second question for the Tánaiste is on an issue I raised with the Taoiseach a few weeks ago, but I am still waiting for a reply. It concerns planning regulations for wind turbines. The revised regulations were to be published last September, but we still have not got them. Last week, Coillte had to remove its equipment from Sliabh Ban in County Roscommon where that semi-State company had contravened the planning conditions laid down in a wind farm development. When are we going to see those regulations?

The Tánaiste

I will deal first with the question about children with an assessment of mild Down's syndrome. Clearly, this has been a major concern for the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan. She has had detailed discussions on the various reports on the allocation of resources. I know she is satisfied that the issues raised by the parents involved can be addressed. In addition to having a number of pilot projects over a period of time, the Minister is looking specifically at some of the proposals contained in the relevant reports.

Regarding the revised planning regulations for wind turbines, we can take that up with the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. I do not actually have a date for their publication.

Deputy Robert Troy

I wish to follow up on the last point about wind energy regulations because I have been raising this issue for a number of weeks. Both the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach have said they are unaware or unsure and that they will take it up with the Minister who will inform us. However, we are none the wiser. More importantly, the communities that will be affected by the erection of these wind turbines are none the wiser either. These regulations have been promised for a number of months, so I appeal to the Tánaiste to live up to the commitment she gave here today. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government should provide a definitive timeframe as to when these regulations will be announced.

In an earlier reply, the Tánaiste complimented herself on getting an A grade from the Children's Rights Alliance for the construction of the schools buildings programme.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

A question please, Deputy.

Deputy Robert Troy

I am coming to it, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle, if you would allow me to speak. However, the Tánaiste did not allude to the fact that the same report gave the Government an F grade on child poverty. As Mr. Fergus Finlay said, an F grade was allocated based on a total and utter failure concerning child poverty. This comes at a time when the Tánaiste is espousing economic recovery. CSO figures have confirmed that the number of children in constant poverty has doubled in recent years.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Deputy should raise that by way of a question, please.

Deputy Robert Troy

Four or five weeks ago I asked the Tánaiste to make time available to discuss the CSO report. In light of the fact that the Children's Rights Alliance report confirms the devastating situation of child poverty, can the Tánaiste live up to her commitment to provide time for a debate on this serious matter?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I call the Tánaiste to reply briefly because we are way behind with time.

The Tánaiste

Mr. Fergus Finlay welcomed the €5 monthly increase in child benefit, which has been of significant assistance to families with children. As the Deputy is probably aware, on his party's own watch, the country lost 330,000 jobs. That is the reason so many children have been affected by-----

Deputy Robert Troy

This refers to last year, 2014, when, at a time of economic recovery, children were going to bed hungry and cold.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Tánaiste has the floor, please.

The Tánaiste

The Deputy should have a detailed look at the report to see what measures were indicated there. He will find that the issues set out related to heating, an inability to have people over for a meal once a month, or to go out once a month, as being the key, critical-----

Deputy Robert Troy

There is constant deprivation with children going to bed hungry in a cold house. In addition, houses are being repossessed. That is what they are looking at, Tánaiste, so let us get real. I am seeking such a debate on the floor of the Dáil.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Deputy Troy, please. Other Members want to get in.

The Tánaiste

If the Deputy wants to get real, I suggest that he should read the report.

Deputy Robert Troy

I have.

The Tánaiste

He would then see that the effect of transfers in terms of maintaining core social protection rates has had the greatest outcome in all of Europe in reducing the risk of poverty by over 50%. That is down to-----

Deputy Robert Troy

It has doubled since the Tánaiste came into government. I am asking for a debate.

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

The Deputy should ring the Minister.

Deputy Robert Troy

I do not have to ring anyone. I do not know who rings Deputy Durkan for advice.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

We will have to move on, Tánaiste. I am calling Deputy Brian Walsh.

Deputy Kevin Humphreys

They bankrupt the country and then they will not listen. No wonder we are in the state we are with Fianna Fáil.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I ask for brevity please - questions and answers.

Deputy Brian Walsh

When can we expect publication of the health transport support Bill? Quite a considerable amount of time has passed since the motorised transport grant and the mobility allowance scheme were discontinued. I know some payments continue to be paid under the latter, but some certainty is needed here.

The Tánaiste

I understand that is expected later this year.

Deputy Dessie Ellis

The Government strategy to tackle the housing crisis, announced by the Minister, Deputy Kelly, at Christmas, is clearly failing. New families are reporting to homeless services every day. People are still sleeping rough and there is still no sign of a major house building programme. The Government promised to end homelessness by 2016 which is now an absolute pipedream. In the forthcoming housing Bill, will the Government include a range of measures and put some urgency on the matter? Will there even be a debate on this in the Dáil now or in the near future? What is happening is an absolute calamity.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I thank the Deputy.

Deputy Dessie Ellis

People come to my clinics every day reporting problems, in particular for families. Single individuals are being looked after to some degree, but the problem has reached epidemic proportions for families.

The Tánaiste

I understand the legislation may be later this year. The protocol I mentioned in response to earlier questions from the Sinn Féin deputy leader is working very well and has now been extended throughout the country.

Deputy Brian Stanley

It is not working.

The Tánaiste

As the Deputy knows, we have committed €4 billion, probably the largest amount of funding in the history of the State, to a social house building programme. That will be critical in addressing the kind of housing need about which the Deputy is speaking.

Deputy Barry Cowen

Will the Tánaiste be more specific on the water services Bill in light of the confusion that abounds as usual on this issue? For example, landlords and tenants are in the dark as to the rights of tenants regarding utility bills such as water services.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I will ask the Tánaiste that. We cannot go-----

Deputy Barry Cowen

It is important that this legislation deals with the issue of non-compliance and non-payment.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I do not know if the Tánaiste has any more information on that Bill.

Deputy Barry Cowen

Will the Tánaiste indicate to the House exactly when this Bill will be before it?

The Tánaiste

As I said before, I understand that Bill will come before the Government in the next few weeks.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

I also ask about the promised water services Bill. I heard the Tánaiste say it would be in the next few weeks; I hope so. Will we see an end to the weekly business we have seen? There is a plethora of senior Irish Water officials in the audiovisual room today. It is very difficult to get it now.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

That is a different issue.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

I know it is. They will not meet us on the ground where there are sewerage problems and everything else.

On the public transport Bill, during Leaders Questions the Tánaiste referred to route 7. At a public meeting in Castlecomer a senior Bus Éireann official gave a commitment that the route 7 service would continue until the end of this academic year. Will that extend south of Castlecomer on to Waterford, Clonmel, Ballyporeen and Carrick-on-Suir, which is another part of that route?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

We cannot go into all the detail now.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

We need clarification on that.

I also ask about the heritage (amendment) Bill. Will the farmers, who are literally barred from farming due to the hen harrier, be compensated? They are losing huge-----

Deputy Mattie McGrath

The Deputies may laugh, but it is a serious issue.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I call the Tánaiste.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

Will they be compensated because they cannot use their land?

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The heritage (amendment) Bill.

The Tánaiste

I understand the heritage (amendment) Bill will be later this year. The Deputy asked a detailed question about points around the country. I suggest he take that up directly with the Minister. I can answer on a few points, but I cannot answer for every location in the country.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

I call Deputy Stanley. I ask for brevity. Six speakers are offering and I want to get everybody in.

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

I notice the hen harrier never came.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

When is the nag dispute Bill coming in for Bernard?

Deputy Brian Stanley

I ask about the guidelines and regulations for wind turbines. The Tánaiste answered a question from another Deputy on the matter. Will there be a regulation? It has been suggested that there would be a regulation specifying a 500 m set-back distance. The set-back distance should be set pro rata to the height of the turbine.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Deputy is getting very technical.

Deputy Brian Stanley

Some of them are up to 200 m in height. When will we see the guidelines? Will a regulation on setback distances be incorporated?

The Tánaiste

I understand the concerns expressed in the Deputy's area.

Deputy Barry Cowen

It is a huge concern.

The Tánaiste

I do not have those details available to me now.

Deputy Barry Cowen

When will we see the guidelines?

The Tánaiste

The Bill will come before the Dáil in the next period of time. I do not have an exact date.

Deputy Barry Cowen

Will it be this term?

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

Given the ongoing need for an adequate supply of apprentices, when is that Bill expected before the House?

The Tánaiste

I was very happy to attend a ceremony in the ESB for the launch of its programme to train 300 apprentices and to meet some of the young people involved in taking on the apprenticeships. It is a great sign of recovery in the economy to see the ESB taking on 300 apprentices. I understand the Minister of State, Deputy English, is awaiting submissions on the apprenticeship council and he will respond in due course to that.

Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Has there been any progress on the Aarhus Convention Bill to put the provisions of that convention and other EU directives on a statutory footing? With the shift away from the use of fossil fuels, we will require this urgently.

The Tánaiste

I do not have a date for publication on the Aarhus Convention Bill.

Deputy Joe Carey

I also raise the shortage of apprentices, which is very important from an educational and economic point of view. It is important to bring the apprenticeship Bill before the House for debate.

The Tánaiste

As the Deputy is aware, SOLAS is seeking proposals on new areas of apprenticeships. In Ireland we have a very confined number of traditional apprenticeships whereas other countries have a much wider range of apprenticeships. With the establishment of the apprenticeship council, SOLAS and the apprenticeship council are entering discussions and receiving submissions regarding broadening it out. I do not have a date for when that process will be concluded.

Deputy Derek Keating

I thank the Tánaiste for taking these issues. What is the status of the reformed and consolidated domestic violence Bill, the purpose of which is to give additional support to people who might be subject to domestic violence?

The Tánaiste

I do not have a date for that as yet.

Deputy Peter Mathews

Touching on the taxation and certain other matters (international mutual assistance) Bill, I was disappointed and depressed when I read on the front page of one of today's newspapers that the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, has more or less shown he is siding with the strong and, insensitively, is abandoning the weak.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

The Deputy knows that is not in order on the Order of Business.

Deputy Peter Mathews

It is important.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Is there legislation?

Deputy Peter Mathews

There are many millions of people in Greece who are barely surviving and many are dying. To say that Greece should not seek a debt write-down is out of order and repugnant to me as a citizen of Europe. He should apologise for saying that.

An Leas-Cheann Comhairle

Okay.

Deputy Peter Mathews

How dare he say that to another country. They never said it to us. On Sunday a very noble worthy group of people in Ballyhea will complete their fourth year of protest against unjustly placing losses of about €30 billion of a private bank on the Irish people.

Dáil Éireann debate - Thursday, 26 Feb 2015

Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 26 Feb 2015