It is proposed to take No. 35, Planning and Development Bill, 1999 [Seanad] – Order for Report and Report and Final Stages. It is also proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 8.30 p.m. and business shall be interrupted not later than 10.30 p.m. Private Members' business shall be No. 93, motion re housing policy.
Order of Business.
There is one proposal to put to the House. Is the proposal for the late sitting agreed? Agreed.
Does the Government have plans to introduce before the recess either additional tax legislation or additional licensing legislation in regard to licensed premises to give effect to the concerns it has about house prices and other prices?
The question of house prices arises on Private Members' business.
The Bacon report is before the Government at present and we hope to deal with that this week. The Government will make an announcement on it. It may require accompanying legislation. It will have to await a Government decision. In regard to drink prices, there is legislation before the House which will, in some way, assist in that.
On the first part of the Taoiseach's response, will the legislation concerning house prices and taxation be introduced before the summer recess?
If the Government decides to move in that way, it will have to be done before the summer recess.
On related issues, the Taoiseach will share the great concern of everybody in this House and, indeed, the social partners about the inflation figures published today. What measures will he introduce to address this crisis? What will he say to those on social welfare whose benefit for this year has now been wiped out or to workers on a normal wage whose increase under the programme agreed this year has been wiped out?
The point the Deputy is raising might be more appropriate to a parliamentary question.
The issue is a current one. On the growing inflation crisis, particularly in regard to the motion tabled by my party and the amendment tabled thereto, was the promised legislation to deal with house prices agreed at Cabinet today? If that is the case, why is it not being promulgated in this House?
As I stated, the housing issue is before the Cabinet and it has not concluded all its business today yet.
Sorry, Taoiseach.
As I said earlier during Question Time, the Government is concerned about the increase in inflation. There are a number of measures. Housing is clearly the most substantive issue. I already made extensive remarks about drinks and the licensed trade. There are other areas as well. All the aspects under the Competition Authority, the price fixing orders and all the other matters, are being examined. We already resourced the Competition Authority substantially to continue to do what it can about anti-competitive sources within the economy.
On housing, we have put an enormous amount of resources into the supply side to try to increase the land available for housing by providing better sewerage and drainage. The Planning and Development Bill is reaching a conclusion and is before the House today. All those measures will help.
It is other people's money.
In reply to Deputy Howlin, we are conscious that if the year on year figure was to go up in line with what people are getting, it would mean they are not getting an increase.
Going backwards.
In relation to people who are working, the tax breaks which they have got would still put them on the credit side in terms of what they received. It is an average of 25% over the period. That would be way above the inflation level.
Deputy Howlin, we cannot have a debate on these matters. They are totally outside the Standing Orders.
In relation to social welfare increases, will the Taoiseach give a guarantee that if the year on year figure remains as is, social welfare recipients will be compensated immediately?
If the inflation level stayed at that level, all the matters would have to be looked at in the context of the preparation of the next budget and that would be one of the issues which would have to be carefully looked at.
I am talking about this year. Will the Taoiseach ensure the social welfare recipient—
Please, Deputy Howlin, we are not having a debate on the matter. I call Deputy Owen.
—is not worse off this year?
Deputy Howlin, you will have to find another way to raise this matter.
I am not sure if legislation is promised but it would be very remiss of this House if we did not express our abhorrence at the brutish and disgusting attack on a visitor to this country and attacks such as this which are taking place in our city. In regard to the man who was visiting Ireland from the UK and who is now in hospital on a life support machine, does the Government have proposals to carry out an active programme of education and advertising and—
That does not arise on the Order of Business. The Deputy will have to find another way to raise it.
—television and radio advertising – to teach people how to be normal human beings and how to treat people with dignity so that we will not read about brutish attacks—
I call Deputy Jim Higgins.
Deputy Joe Higgins was right to raise it.
I call Deputy Jim Higgins.
I get the impression the Taoiseach wants to respond.
Deputy Gormley, I have already ruled Deputy Owen out of order on that issue. I will call the Deputy when his turn comes. I call Deputy Jim Higgins. Deputy Rabbitte is next.
(Mayo): In view of the fact that legislation was forced through this House in order to give Mr. Hugh O'Flaherty his judicial pension, is similar legislation required to enable him set aside his £40,000 pension?
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
(Mayo): What is the situation in relation to the nomination now that it is being challenged in the Supreme Court and in the European Court?
Deputy Higgins, I understand a request has been made to the Ceann Comhairle for a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges on that issue and, therefore, it does not arise on the Order of Business. I call Deputy Rabbitte.
(Mayo): Is the nomination being withdrawn and is a credible nominee being put forward?
The position is that the High Court has rejected the judicial review claim brought by Denis Riordan – he requested, unsuccessfully, that the High Court put a stay on the appointment pending an appeal. The result is that the appointment can now proceed, and will proceed, unless Mr. Riordan persuades the Supreme Court to make an order staying the appointment pending an appeal to that court. In the absence of any such order by the Supreme Court, the appointment will proceed in the normal way.
I call Deputy Rabbitte.
(Mayo): Is it being deferred pending—
Please, Deputy Higgins, we are not having a discussion on it.
In respect of the recommendation of the Committee of Public Accounts DIRT report, will the legislation on dormant accounts be brought forward this term? Will the Taoiseach clarify to the public that the promised legislation on the regulation of the financial services industry will not go ahead in the lifetime of this Government due to the dispute between the Tánaiste and the Minister for Finance? Can we at least introduce certainty in that if there will be no decision on regulation, it is made clear now?
The second matter is still under discussion. I would not make an announcement that it will not happen; I certainly hope it does. The dormant accounts Bill will allow the transfer of dormant accounts in the financial institutions, which control them, to the State. The heads of the Bill are expected for submission to Government in the next week or so and the Bill will be ready for the autumn session.
I ask the Taoiseach specifically about the Immigration and Residence Bill, particularly in light of the vicious attack that took place in Pearse Street. Does the Taoiseach agree that we need to dispel many of the negative myths about foreigners and asylum seekers—
On promised legislation. The Deputy is totally outside the Order of Business.
I understand. I am sure the Taoiseach agrees with me that we need a public awareness campaign.
The Deputy asked a question on promised legislation.
That is right.
I call on the Taoiseach to answer the question.
I get the impression the Taoiseach wants to comment further. We need a comment from him on the vicious attack that took place in my constituency.
The Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Bill, 1999, is before the House and the heads of the Immigration and Residence Bill are due later this year, although it might be early next year. Of course I join with other Members who raised this matter. I condemn the vicious and barbaric attack on Mr. Richardson and extend the sympathy of everyone in the House to them that this should happen on a weekend when they were celebrating and trying to enjoy themselves in the city. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform is awaiting the report of the committee on racism and inter-culturalism which he set up some months ago. He has already announced the budget and resources for its nationwide campaign to ensure there is public awareness and that these incidents do not happen.
When will that report be submitted?
Shortly.
The national consultative committee announced the day before an RTE programme on racism that it would spend £1 million. When will that campaign begin?
As soon as it reports on how it wants to spend the money. The Minister provided the resources.
Spend £30,000?
The committee sought to put together recommendations for the Minister and he is awaiting the report. The resources are there for it.
The Taoiseach understands it is urgent.
Will the report on the shooting of the late John Carthy in Abbeylara be made available to the House before it adjourns?
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
It is an important issue. Does the Taoiseach have an answer? Will it be made available before the Dáil adjourns?
(Dublin West): No. 105 on today's Order Paper is a motion in my name calling on the Minister or Justice, Equality and Law Reform to ensure that the report into the tragic death of John Carthy comes before the House, before it rises for the summer, so that it can be debated. That is what the people want.
I did not interrupt anyone. Where is the Chair?
(Dublin West): Will the Taoiseach give a commitment that we will have that report before the end of the session?
In reply to Deputy Belton—
Thank you.
—I hope the Garda report will be concluded shortly. The Minister is not certain when it will be but he hopes to have it before the House—
It is important. What is purported to be a copy of the report is in The Irish Times.
It is seven weeks.
The Minister is not writing the report nor is he carrying out the investigation. As soon as the report is completed he has stated he will put the facts before the public. That still applies. Deputy Higgins asked the same question.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the possible damage that has been done to Irish patients by the pathologist Dr. Elwood who worked in a number of hospitals?
The Deputy cannot raise that on the Order of Business.
It is promised legislation.
Deputy Shatter has already raised that and it will be allowed on the Adjournment.
I wish to ask a question on promised legislation.
In fairness to that Member I will not allow a discussion of it on the Order of Business.
I am still entitled to ask a question on promised legislation. That is not on the Adjournment debate.
There is no promised legislation specifically on Dr. Elwood.
There is promised legislation on the matter of how consultants are regulated in this country whether they come from abroad or here. I would be surprised if the Chair was not aware of it. It is the Medical Practitioners Bill. The Minister for Health and Children was on RTE radio at lunch time but did not do anything to allay public anxiety. He may have other matters on his mind, looking at the headlines in the newspapers today.
That does not arise. The Deputy asked a question on legislation. We cannot have a Second Stage speech.
The Taoiseach is fast-tracking legislation to protect—
The Bill is being prepared. As regards the case of Dr. James Elwood recommendations are being made together with necessary improvements in recruitment and procedures. If the Deputy tables a question to the Minister on the cases this man dealt with in Sligo, Tralee and Letterkenny general hospitals, she will receive a report and further details on the matter. He dealt with a large number of tests during the period some of which were subject to further examination.
Because of the number of recent fatal and near fatal injuries, does the Government intend to introduce legislation banning the carrying of a knife by anyone in a public place and imposing a mandatory sentence of three years imprisonment? As the most recent attack happened within a stone's throw of where this House is sitting, could we send our best wishes to the victim of an outrageous attack by a band of thugs in the city?
Deputies
Hear, hear.
We already have legislation. The carrying of guns, knives or other weapons, with intent, is a criminal offence.
One of the mysteries of life is proving intent.
(Dublin West): The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform was in London yesterday discussing the fingerprinting of those seeking political asylum. Apparently it would make them easier to track down. Will the Minister extend fingerprinting to certain politicians and developers to keep a track of the money that crosses between them?
(Interruptions).
Such matters do not arise.
(Dublin West): Are there proposed amendments to the prohibition on incitement to hatred legislation to deal with the sick mentality that inspires horrific racial attacks such as that on Mr. Richardson? Unfortunately fingerprinting asylum seekers and casting them in a negative light encourages that kind of mentality and the Government must accept that.
We cannot have a Second Stage speech when asking questions on promised legislation, which Deputies are entitled to ask.
(Dublin West): I know that.
There is adequate legislation to deal with such offences.
(Mayo): I know the Taoiseach has answered satisfactorily regarding the Abbeylara siege but does he realise the heartbreak and hurt caused to the Carthy family by the leaks of very sensitive details in the Sunday Independent—
There is an investigation.
We are moving on to No. 35. The Deputy is out of order.
(Mayo): Can I have an assurance that these will be investigated and stopped? Does the Taoiseach think it right that sensitive details concerning a victim and his family should be published?
I do not.
(Mayo): What will he do about it?