Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Mar 2015

Vol. 870 No. 2

Order of Business

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take No. 17, motion re membership of committee; No. 9, Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015 - Second Stage (resumed); and No. 42, statements on the dairy sector, to be taken not later than 5.30 p.m. It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that in the event a division is in progress at the time fixed for taking Private Members' business, Standing Order 121(3) shall not apply and the Dáil shall adjourn on the conclusion of Private Members' business, which shall be No. 73, Family Home Mortgage Settlement Arrangement Bill 2014 – Second Stage (resumed), and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 90 minutes; No. 17 shall be decided without debate; and the following arrangements shall apply in regard to No. 42: the statement 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, shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case, and such Members may share time; the statement of each other Member called upon shall not exceed ten minutes in each case; and a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed five minutes.

Tomorrow's business after Oral Questions shall be No. 2, Betting (Amendment) Bill 2013 - amendments from the Seanad; and No. 3, Gender Recognition Bill 2014 [Seanad] - Second Stage.

An Ceann Comhairle

There are three proposals to put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with Private Members' business agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 7, motion re membership of committee, to be taken without debate, agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 42, statements on the dairy sector, agreed to? Agreed.

Deputy Micheál Martin

Tá geallúint i gclár an Rialtais an méid daltaí atá ag tabhairt faoin Ghaolainn san Ardteist ag ardleibhéal a dhúbailt le linn tréimhse an Rialtais. Conas atá ag éirí leis an Rialtas maidir leis an ngeallúint sin? Cé mhéad daltaí atá ag déanamh an Ghaolainn ag ardleibhéal san Ardteist faoi láthair? Maraon le sin, tá sé soiléir sa chlár Rialtais go gcuirfí cláir infheistíochta i bhfeidhm ionas go mbeadh an Ghaolainn ar fáil i bhfad níos éasca do thromlach na ndaoine. Ar tharla é sin?

Cathain a bheidh Bille na dTeangacha Oifigiúla tríd na Dála? Deirtear sa chlár Rialtais chomh maith go mbeidh an Rialtas ag tabhairt faoi chéimeanna chun múineadh na Gaeilge a dhéanamh níos éifeachtaí agus níos fearr agus é a fheabhsú, agus, nuair a bheidh sé sin déanta, go mbeidh an Rialtas sásta machnamh a dhéanamh ar chóir an Ghaolainn a bheith riachtanach don Ardteist. Ní aontaím le sin ach sin atá sa chlár Rialtais. Cad é tuairim an Taoisigh maidir le sin ag an mbabtha seo? An bhfuil an Rialtas chun aon chinneadh a dhéanamh ar sin sna míonna agus sa bhliain atá le teacht?

Dúirt an tAire, an Teachta Brendan Howlin, ag an deireadh seachtaine gurb an botún is mó a dhein an Rialtas, dar leis, ná deireadh a chur leis na comhairlí bailte ar fud na tíre. Bhíos i gCathair na Mart an Aoine seo caite. Bhí díomá an domhain ar thromlach na ndaoine go bhfuil deireadh curtha leis an gcomhairle baile a bhí ann. Tá an tuairim mar an gcéanna ar fud na tíre. Cathain a bheidh an reachtaíocht ag teacht os comhair na Dála chun an cinneadh sin a athrú agus na comhairlí bailte a thabhairt ar ais? Dúirt an tAire, an Teachta Howlin, go gcaithfidh an Rialtas an cinneadh sin a athrú agus iad a thabhairt ar ais. Cathain a bheidh an reachtaíocht againn?

The Taoiseach

Ba thuairim phearsanta an Aire an tuairim sin. Tá cinneadh déanta ag an Rialtas maidir le seo agus níl an cinneadh sin le hathrú. Beidh Acht na dTeangacha Oifigiúla á thabhairt isteach i mbliana. Tá sé sa chlár reachtúil. Is féidir leis an Teachta ceist a chur ar an Aire Stáit faoin obair atá déanta ó thaobh ardú céime a thabhairt don Ghaeilge agus an infheistíocht atá á déanamh ionas go mbeidh an Ghaeilge ar fáil go coitianta ag chuile duine ar fud na tíre.

Deputy Micheál Martin

An bhfuil aon tuairim ag an Taoiseach é féin?

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Tá ceist agam maidir leis an gCoinbhinsiún Bunreachtúil. Foilsíodh an tuairisc dheireanach acu anuraidh, measaim an lá deireanach de mhí an Mhárta an bhliain seo caite. Tá beagnach 12 mí imithe tharainn ach fós nílimid tar éis 14, nó ar a laghad 13, tuairisc a phlé. Gealladh dúinn go mbeadh díospóireacht nó, ar a laghad, freagra ón Rialtas againn lastigh de cheithre mhí ó foilsíodh na tuairiscí. Faoin am seo, is masla é dóibh siúd a ghlac páirt ann. Is mise duine acusan. Experiment maith a bhí ann. Mhol mé é ag an am agus ba chóir é a dhéanamh arís, ach ní fiú tráithnín é muna bhfuilimid sásta cloí leis an amchlár. Cén uair a bheidh díospóireacht againn sa Teach maidir le cearta vóta a thabhairt do shaoránaigh ina gcónaí lasmuigh den Stát, leasú a dhéanamh ar an Dáil agus cearta eacnamaíochta, sóisialta agus cultúrtha? Chomh maith le sin, cathain a bheidh díospóireacht againn faoin gá do choinbhinsiún eile chun déileáil le ceisteanna móra eile a bhfuil fós le plé?

The Taoiseach

Thug me freagra ar an cheist seo cúpla seachtain ó shin. Tá obair ar siúl faoi láthair i gcuid de na Ranna maidir leis an gceist seo. Thug mé gealltanas, nuair a bheidh sé sin déanta, go mbeidh an Príomh-Aoire ag tabhairt na tuarascála chuig na Dála ionas go mbeadh díospóireachtaí ann. Tabharfaidh mé tuilleadh eolais don Teachta nuair a bheidh sé agam.

Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Tá sé seo á rá ag an Rialtas ó mhí Iúil na bliana seo caite. Cuirtear an cheist uair sa tseachtain. Ní an Fhreasúra amháin atá ag cur na ceiste ach tá Teachtaí ar bhinsí an Rialtais ag cur na ceiste chomh maith. Níl sé maith go leor ag an staid seo nach bhfuil dáta ann maidir le díospóireacht ar na tuairiscí sin. An rud a chuala muideanna ná go raibh na cinntí déanta lastigh de na Ranna agus go bhfuil an locht orthu. Ní freagra iomlán é an freagra a thug an Taoiseach. Tá a fhios agamsa go bhfuil na Ranna críochnaithe le seo. Is don Teach seo an cinneadh a dhéanamh agus ní na Ranna. Ba chóir don Aoire glacadh le seo agus na tuairiscí a chur faoi bhráid na Dála chún iad a phlé. Ba chóir don Taoiseach iarraidh ar an Príomh-Aoire é sin a dhéanamh.

Deputy Noel Grealish

Some months ago I brought to the Taoiseach's attention the case of an 86 year old man in my constituency who is in agony waiting for a hip replacement operation at University Hospital Galway.

An Ceann Comhairle

We cannot discuss individual cases on the Order of Business.

Deputy Noel Grealish

Following the announcement by the Minister for Health that all elective surgery would be cancelled, this man has been told he cannot be given a date for his operation. His is one of many similar cases throughout the country. There is a need for major reform of the health service to ensure people are not left at home in agony.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should put down a Topical Issue matter.

Deputy Noel Grealish

When will the health reform Bill be brought before the House to address these issues?

The Taoiseach

I do not have a date for publication of that Bill, but I understand a great deal of work is being done on it. I will advise the Deputy of the progress made.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

Are the Taoiseach and the Minister for Justice and Equality aware of the serious human resources and staffing issues at Muintir na Tíre, which runs the community alert programme? This is a very important function given the rise in crime.

An Ceann Comhairle

Does the Deputy ever stick to what is relevant to the Order of Business?

Deputy Mattie McGrath

I am doing so.

An Ceann Comhairle

No, the Deputy is not.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

I am asking when the Garda Síochána (policing authority and miscellaneous provisions) Bill will be brought forward.

Second, will the Taoiseach and the Minister allow more time for a decent debate on the Children and Family Relationships Bill 2015? A Bill with 172 sections cannot be debated, understood and dealt with by Members in the time allocated.

Deputy Jerry Buttimer

Deputy McGrath is scaremongering.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

I am not scaremongering. We would need a whole range of extra staff just to help us deal with the amendments.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should raise this issue with the Whips.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

The legislation is being rushed through the House with indecent haste.

An Ceann Comhairle

I have asked the Deputy to take it up with the Whips.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

I am asking the Minister to do something about it.

The Taoiseach

As Deputy McGrath is aware, 60 Members contributed to the debate on Second Stage, and the Bill will go before committee tomorrow. He is free to make a contribution if he so wishes.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

I will do so.

The Taoiseach

The Garda Síochána (policing authority and miscellaneous provisions) Bill is due to be brought forward in this session and will be dealt with.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett

The Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, was on the airwaves this morning talking about the new health levy that will see a significant increase in private health insurance premiums for older people taking out private health insurance. It appears to be designed to scare people into taking out private health insurance.

An Ceann Comhairle

Hold on a second Deputy, this is the Order of Business.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett

Is it the Taoiseach's intention to give Members a chance to discuss this in the Dáil? Is legislation forthcoming in this regard because-----

An Ceann Comhairle

Take it up through the Whips.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett

-----the Minister seems to be acting like a tout for the private health insurance industry?

An Ceann Comhairle

One second. I call Deputy Ferris.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett

I asked whether legislation is proposed.

An Ceann Comhairle

About what legislation is the Deputy asking?

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett

I am asking whether there is legislation in respect of the-----

An Ceann Comhairle

No, this is about legislation promised.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett

The Minister made a statement today.

An Ceann Comhairle

You cannot simply ask whether there will be legislation. I am sorry.

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett

The Minister made a statement today saying that some-----

An Ceann Comhairle

Put down a Topical Issue matter or ask a question. It is not a matter for the Order of Business.

Deputy Martin Ferris

In recent weeks, I having been trying to get some redress from the Minister, Deputy Kelly, with regard to a huge erosion problem on Banna Beach. To show the Taoiseach the-----

An Ceann Comhairle

Hold on a second Deputy. You are out of order as well.

Deputy Martin Ferris

It is under legislation and I will come to it.

An Ceann Comhairle

Hold on a second.

Deputy Joe Carey

It is a fine beach.

Deputy Martin Ferris

As the Taoiseach can see, there-----

An Ceann Comhairle

No, you cannot display documentation in the Chamber.

Deputy Martin Ferris

-----is a 30 ft. gap between the sea and this bay here.

An Ceann Comhairle

You know that as well as anything. I am sorry.

Deputy Martin Ferris

A consequence, if there is a breakthrough, it is only 30 ft. or 10 m-----

An Ceann Comhairle

Sorry Deputy, this is the Order of Business. Would you put down a question or a Topical Issue matter?

Deputy Martin Ferris

-----the entire population of Carrahane is in danger of being taken over by the sea. I have it under legislation, if the Ceann Comhairle would give me time to finish, please.

An Ceann Comhairle

No-----

Deputy Martin Ferris

Just one second; give me time to finish. I am not going to be shut up by anybody.

An Ceann Comhairle

Excuse me.

Deputy Martin Ferris

Sorry?

An Ceann Comhairle

You will obey the Chair like everybody else.

Deputy Martin Ferris

Yes.

An Ceann Comhairle

You are no exception by the way.

Deputy Martin Ferris

I am entitled to make my point.

An Ceann Comhairle

You are no exception.

Deputy Martin Ferris

I am trying to get answers.

An Ceann Comhairle

I have the job of trying to keep order in this Chamber-----

Deputy Martin Ferris

I have been trying to get answers for three weeks and have been asking what will be done.

An Ceann Comhairle

-----and I apply the rules equally.

Deputy Martin Ferris

Thousands of tonnes of sand have been taken from Banna and taken to a golf club.

An Ceann Comhairle

Thank you.

Deputy Martin Ferris

There is a gap here from coastal erosion.

An Ceann Comhairle

Would you please resume your seat and put down a Topical Issue matter about it? Thank you.

Deputy Martin Ferris

It is under the maritime area and foreshore (amendment) Bill.

An Ceann Comhairle

When is the foreshore (amendment) Bill due?

The Taoiseach

I hope it is not the golf club in front of the Deputy's own house.

Deputy Martin Ferris

Sorry?

Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett

Members are not worried about the golf club.

The Taoiseach

That Bill is due for this session.

Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick

Noise nuisance caused by neighbours makes up the vast majority of noise complaints in Ireland. To prevent and reduce such nuisance, it is necessary to extend and improve the powers available to local authorities.

An Ceann Comhairle

There is no need for an introduction. About what Bill are we talking?

Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick

The noise nuisance Bill.

An Ceann Comhairle

When is that due?

The Taoiseach

I do not have a date for that Bill. I will advise Deputy Fitzpatrick of the work being undertaken.

Deputy Barry Cowen

Will the water services Bill predate the decision of the Central Statistics Office, CSO, with regard to its submission to EUROSTAT on the entire construct of Irish Water? I would have thought the water services Bill should have predated any decision, considering that the Government has stated it consulted with the CSO before last November, when it made its climb-downs.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Taoiseach, on the water services Bill.

The Taoiseach

Is the Deputy asking about the market corporation test?

Deputy Barry Cowen

Yes.

The Taoiseach

Why did the Deputy not ask that then?

Deputy Barry Cowen

I am asking the Taoiseach whether the water services Bill will predate it or if the CSO will make a decision in its absence, which would seem ridiculous in the extreme.

The Taoiseach

I dealt with this yesterday and Deputy Sean Fleming got a letter about it. The CSO prepares its documentation and is engaged with EUROSTAT, which is independent. The CSO document will be published and sent to EUROSTAT, which makes its own decision completely independently.

Deputy Barry Cowen

I would have thought that the water services Bill and what was contained therein-----

An Ceann Comhairle

Sorry, this is not a matter for the Order of Business. We cannot have a debate on this. I called Deputy Troy.

Deputy Barry Cowen

-----would be important information for the CSO.

Deputy Robert Troy

I wish to inquire about a couple of legislative items. There have been 70 submissions made in respect of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill 2013. When will this be brought before the Houses of the Oireachtas? Second, national vetting legislation was passed more than two years ago. The Taoiseach undertook to consult with the Department of Justice and Equality as to why the commencement order is yet to be signed. I still await information as to why the commencement order was not signed despite this being promised a number of weeks ago. I do not know what postal service the Taoiseach is using but the letters are not going out nearly as quickly as he advised they would. Third, in respect of the guidelines for wind energy, both the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste have promised they would advise me and other Deputies. When can Members expect the finalised, comprehensive wind energy guidelines?

The Taoiseach

The Ministers for the Environment, Community and Local Government and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources are working on the final issues in so far as regulations pertaining to wind energy are concerned. I must revert to Deputy Troy in respect of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Bill. There have been quite a number of submissions received on it and obviously, it has not come back for finalisation yet. I also will advise in respect of the national vetting commencement order.

Deputy Jerry Buttimer

An bhfuil a fhios ag an Taoiseach cathain a bheidh dréachtpholasaí eitlíochta foilsithe? An mbeidh seans againn an polasaí sin, atá i ndréachtfhormáid anois, a phlé sa Teach seo?

An Ceann Comhairle

On flight policy.

Deputy Jerry Buttimer

Is ea. The national aviation draft policy.

The Taoiseach

Níor tháinig sé sin roimh an Rialtais go dtí seo chun cinneadh cinnte a dhéanamh faoi. Is féidir liom a rá go mbeidh cead ag an Teachta agus an Teach díospóireachtaí faoi a bheith acu nuair a bheidh sé foilsithe.

Deputy Michelle Mulherin

Cathain a bheidh an Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill 2012 anseo arís ionas go mbeimid in ann dul chun cinn a dhéanamh leis an mBille?

The Taoiseach

Níl an dáta cinnte ar eolas agam, ach cuirfidh mé scéal chuig an Teachta faoi.

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

I wish to inquire of An Taoiseach the current position in respect of the mediation Bill, which is promised legislation and which has extensive implications. When is it likely to come before the House? Will it be in the current year? Similarly, I refer to the defence (amendment) Bill, which is to revise the Defence Forces Acts regarding the deployment of Irish troops overseas. When is that Bill likely to come before the House and will Members have sight of it before the end of this year?

The Taoiseach

While I do not have a date for the defence (amendment) Bill, the mediation Bill will be introduced later this year.