Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 22 Feb 2001

Vol. 531 No. 2

Order of Business.

The Tánaiste

It is proposed to take No. 22, motion re Fourth Protocol to the Treaty of Amsterdam (Agreement between the European Community and the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway); No. 5, Social Welfare Bill, 2001 – Second Stage (resumed); No. 49, Trustee Savings Banks (Amendment) Bill, 2000 – Order for Report and Report and Final Stages; No. 49a, statements on European Commission's beef proposals, to be taken not later than immediately following the announcement of matters on the Adjournment under Standing Order 21 and the order shall not resume thereafter.

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 22 shall be decided without debate and that the proceedings on Second Stage of No. 5 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 2.30 p.m. and that any division demanded thereon shall be postponed until immediately before the Order of Business on Tuesday, 27 February 2001. It is further proposed that the proceedings on No. 49a, if not previously concluded, shall be brought to a conclusion at 4.45 p.m. and that the following arrangements shall apply: the opening statements of a Minister or Minister of State and of the main spokespersons for Fine Gael and the Labour Party shall not exceed ten minutes in each case, the statement of each other Member called upon shall not exceed five minutes, and Members may share time.

An Ceann Comhairle

There are three proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 22 agreed to?

Mr. Quinn

No, Sir. Yesterday I asked the Tánaiste if the Taoiseach would be prepared to make a statement to the House on the circumstances surrounding the resignation of the former Minister of State, Deputy Ned O'Keeffe. I am surprised that provision is not made for this on today's Order Paper. Has the Tánaiste conveyed my request to the Taoiseach and, if so, why is the Taoiseach not present?

Mr. Rabbitte

He is giving back the monkey suit.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Noonan

Has the Tánaiste discussed with the Taoiseach the Opposition's request for a formal statement from him? I understand the Taoiseach is still out of the country.

A Deputy

Will Deputy Noonan make a statement on the opinion poll?

Mr. Noonan

Take it easy.

A Deputy

It is only a dig.

Mr. C. Lenihan

Why the silence?

Mr. Noonan

Take it easy.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Shatter

Tell us about Caviar Limited, Ray Burke, Deputies Lawlor and Foley.

An Ceann Comhairle

Order, please. Deputy Noonan should be allowed to finish.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Shatter

Never mind the smokescreen.

Mr. D. Ahern

Tell us how Fine Gael cleared its debt. If the cap fits, wear it.

Mr. Shatter

Did the Deputies receive the script? Even Deputy Conor Lenihan received it.

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Noonan

There remains a serious contradiction between Deputy Ned O'Keeffe's version of his resignation and that presented by the Taoiseach to the House. I ask you, Ceann Comhairle, to deal with the disorderly Member from Wicklow.

(Interruptions.)

An Ceann Comhairle

There is disorder on both sides of the House.

Mr. Hayes

Bring in the Minister of State, Deputy Jacob.

An Ceann Comhairle

I ask Members to desist.

A Deputy

The Minister of State from Wicklow.

Mr. Noonan

The disappointed applicant for Deputy Ned O'Keeffe's position keeps interrupting me. Can somebody take him out and give him some coffee and aspirin?

(Interruptions.)

Mr. Noonan

There is a contradiction between Deputy Ned O'Keeffe's version of his resignation and that given by the Taoiseach to the House. That contradiction can only be explained by the Taoiseach by making a formal statement and taking questions from the Opposition. This matter will not go away. We will continue to raise it on the Order of Business until the Taoiseach comes into the House to which he is accountable. He will not dodge this issue in the way he has dodged so many others. We have seen it with respect to Deputies Burke, Lawlor and others.

An Ceann Comhairle

There must be no speeches.

Mr. Noonan

We will not see it with respect to Deputy O'Keeffe. The Taoiseach must answer the questions. Did the Tánaiste convey our wishes to the Taoiseach? Will there be a statement to the House next week?

The Tánaiste

I have not been in contact with the Taoiseach who is still in Rome.

Mr. Rabbitte

Where did the Taoiseach get the suit he wore yesterday?

The Tánaiste

He is on important business as many of his predecessors were on similar occasions.

Mr. Quinn

What is he doing today?

The Tánaiste

I did not hear the Deputy.

Mr. Howlin

He is returning the suit.

The Tánaiste

We should not make light of such matters. The Deputies have tabled questions for next week. I have not discussed with him the remarks made at yesterday's Order of Business. The outcome is the important thing – Deputy O'Keeffe is not the Minister of State with responsibility for food safety. That was sought by Deputies Quinn and Noonan. They are not satisfied with that.

Question put: "That the proposal for dealing with item No. 22 be agreed to."

Tá

Ahern, Dermot.Ahern, Michael.Ahern, Noel.Andrews, David.Aylward, Liam.Brady, Johnny.Brady, Martin.Briscoe, Ben.Browne, John (Wexford).Byrne, Hugh.Callely, Ivor.Collins, Michael.Coughlan, Mary.Cullen, Martin.Daly, Brendan.de Valera, Síle.Dempsey, Noel.Dennehy, John.Doherty, Seán.

Ellis, John.Fleming, Seán.Flood, Chris.Foley, Denis.Fox, Mildred.Gildea, Thomas.Hanafin, Mary.Harney, Mary.Healy-Rae, Jackie.Jacob, Joe.Keaveney, Cecilia.Kelleher, Billy.Kenneally, Brendan.Killeen, Tony.Kirk, Séamus.Kitt, Michael P.Kitt, Tom.Lenihan, Brian. Lenihan, Conor.

Tá–continued

McDaid, James.McGuinness, John J.Martin, Micheál.Moloney, John.Moynihan, Donal.Moynihan, Michael.Ó Cuív, Éamon.O'Dea, Willie.O'Flynn, Noel.O'Hanlon, Rory.O'Keeffe, Batt.

O'Malley, Desmond.O'Rourke, Mary.Power, Seán.Roche, Dick.Smith, Brendan.Smith, Michael.Treacy, Noel.Wade, Eddie.Wallace, Dan.Walsh, Joe.Wright, G. V.

Níl

Barrett, Seán.Bell, Michael.Belton, Louis J.Bradford, Paul.Browne, John (Carlow-Kilkenny).Bruton, Richard.Carey, Donal.Clune, Deirdre.Connaughton, Paul.Cosgrave, Michael.Coveney, Simon.Crawford, Seymour.Currie, Austin.Deasy, Austin.Deenihan, Jimmy.Durkan, Bernard.Farrelly, John.Finucane, Michael.Fitzgerald, Frances.Flanagan, Charles.Gilmore, Éamon.Gormley, John.Hayes, Brian.Healy, Seamus.Higgins, Jim.Higgins, Joe.Higgins, Michael.Hogan, Philip.

Howlin, Brendan.McCormack, Pádraic.McDowell, Derek.McGinley, Dinny.McGrath, Paul.McManus, Liz.Mitchell, Jim.Mitchell, Olivia.Moynihan-Cronin, Breeda.Naughten, Denis.Neville, Dan.Noonan, Michael.O'Shea, Brian.O'Sullivan, Jan.Owen, Nora.Perry, John.Quinn, Ruairí.Rabbitte, Pat.Ring, Michael.Sargent, Trevor.Shatter, Alan.Sheehan, Patrick.Spring, Dick.Stagg, Emmet.Timmins, Billy.Upton, Mary.Wall, Jack.

Tellers: Tá, Deputies D. Ahern and Power; Níl, Deputies Bradford and Stagg.

Question declared carried.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal for dealing with No. 5 agreed to?

Mr. Quinn

I am not happy with the way in which the business is being ordered and we are opposed to the proposal.

Question, "That the proposal for dealing with No. 5 be agreed to", put and declared carried.

Mr. D. Ahern

The Labour Party welshed on an agreement last night.

Mr. Stagg

We will vote on the next one.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the proposal for dealing with No. 49a agreed to?

Mr. Sargent

It will be difficult to deal with No. 49a satisfactorily in advance of a statement from the Taoiseach on the resignation of Deputy Ned O'Keeffe as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development.

An Ceann Comhairle

Is the Deputy opposing the proposal?

Mr. Sargent

Yes, because it will be overshadowed by the Deputy's resignation. The House will be unable to focus on the Commission's proposals. The issue of Deputy O'Keeffe's resignation should be dealt with first to ensure it does not cloud the debate.

Mr. Noonan

I share Deputy Sargent's concerns, but I have other concerns that perhaps the Tánaiste could accommodate. There will be no reality to the debate unless the remit is widened to include statements on the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. In the interests of the relevance we are trying to establish in the Dáil, perhaps the Whips could modify No. 49a by agreement during the morning? This would enable the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development to inform the House of the up-to-date position on the outbreak of foot and mouth disease. It would also allow the Opposition spokespersons to respond in that context.

Mr. Quinn

The matter should not be discussed in its entirety until the House has received an explanation regarding the enforced dismissal or resignation of the former Minister of State, Deputy Ned O'Keeffe. The Labour Party is opposed to taking No. 49a this afternoon.

The Tánaiste

The suggestion made by the leader of the Fine Gael Party, Deputy Noonan, is worthy and we agree to it.

Deputy Rabbitte rose.

An Ceann Comhairle

Under Standing Order 26(2) I cannot allow the Deputy to contribute on this matter.

Mr. Rabbitte

As the—

An Ceann Comhairle

The leader of the Deputy's party has spoken.

Mr. Wade

The Deputy is not the leader yet.

An Ceann Comhairle

The leader of the Deputy's party has spoken and there cannot be two contributions on this matter. Is the proposal for No. 49a agreed to?

Question put, "That the proposals for dealing with item 49f2>a be agreed to."

Tá

Ahern, Dermot.Ahern, Michael.Ahern, Noel.Andrews, David.Aylward, Liam.Brady, Johnny.Brady, Martin.Briscoe, Ben.Browne, John (Wexford).Byrne, Hugh.Callely, Ivor.Collins, Michael.Coughlan, Mary.Daly, Brendan.de Valera, Síle.Dempsey, Noel.Dennehy, John.Doherty, Seán.Ellis, John.Fleming, Seán.Flood, Chris.Foley, Denis.Fox, Mildred.Gildea, Thomas.Hanafin, Mary.Harney, Mary.Healy-Rae, Jackie.Jacob, Joe.Keaveney, Cecilia.

Kelleher, Billy.Kenneally, Brendan.Killeen, Tony.Kirk, Séamus.Kitt, Michael P.Kitt, Tom.Lenihan, Brian.Lenihan, Conor.McDaid, James.McGuinness, John J.Martin, Micheál.Moloney, John.Moynihan, Donal.Moynihan, Michael.Ó Cuív, Éamon.O'Dea, Willie.O'Flynn, Noel.O'Hanlon, Rory.O'Keeffe, Batt.O'Rourke, Mary.Power, Seán.Roche, Dick.Smith, Brendan.Smith, Michael.Treacy, Noel.Wade, Eddie.Wallace, Dan.Walsh, Joe.Wright, G. V.

Níl

Barrett, Seán.Bell, Michael.Belton, Louis J.Bradford, Paul.Broughan, Thomas P.Browne, John (Carlow-Kilkenny).Bruton, Richard.Carey, Donal.Clune, Deirdre.Connaughton, Paul.Cosgrave, Michael.Crawford, Seymour.Currie, Austin.Deasy, Austin.Deenihan, Jimmy.Durkan, Bernard.Farrelly, John.Finucane, Michael.Fitzgerald, Frances.Flanagan, Charles.Gilmore, Éamon.Healy, Seamus.Higgins, Jim.

Higgins, Joe.Higgins, Michael.Hogan, Philip.Howlin, Brendan.Kenny, Enda.McCormack, Pádraic.McDowell, Derek.McGinley, Dinny.McGrath, Paul.McManus, Liz.Mitchell, Jim.Mitchell, Olivia.Moynihan-Cronin, Breeda.Naughten, Denis.Neville, Dan.Noonan, Michael.O'Shea, Brian.O'Sullivan, Jan.Owen, Nora.Perry, John.Quinn, Ruairí.Rabbitte, Pat. Ring, Michael.

Níl–continued

Sargent, Trevor.Shatter, Alan.Sheehan, Patrick.Spring, Dick.

Stagg, Emmet.Timmins, Billy.Upton, Mary.Wall, Jack.

Tellers: Tá, Deputies D. Ahern and Power; Níl, Deputies Bradford and Stagg.

Question declared carried.

Mr. Noonan

I wish to raise with the Tánaiste the issue of the outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the United Kingdom, the consequences of which could be devastating for our industry. I wish to raise two issues and suggest a possible way forward. I understand the original source of the infection has not been established, but that there are indications as to its source. Other than the United Kingdom, does the Government have in mind the banning of the importation of food products from certain third countries? Will the Tánaiste bring us up to date on the Northern Ireland registered lorry which visited the abattoir where the original outbreak occurred, which on its return to Northern Ireland was loaded with sheep which were delivered south of the Border in County Cavan? Has there been full tracing? Has everything which can be done been done? It is impossible to seal the Border in the way it was sealed when there was a major outbreak of the disease in the United Kingdom a generation ago. We should, therefore, adopt an all-island approach. The best strategy is to proceed, with the co-operation of the Northern authorities, on an all-island basis to prevent importation through ports, North and South.

I draw to the Tánaiste's attention the strand two arrangements of the Good Friday Agreement, the North-South Ministerial Council. The Agreement states that the Council should make its best endeavours to reach agreement on the adoption of common policies in areas within the competence of both Administrations where this would be of mutual benefit. If there was ever a situation which jumped from the pages of the Agreement which fulfilled that mandate, it was the outbreak of foot and mouth disease.

I refer the Tánaiste to the annex to strand two which specifies that the areas for North-South co-operation and implementation may include agriculture, and animal and plant health. I understand preliminary announcements have been made about establishing, under the Council, one of the modules in Cork to deal with food safety and animal health. An all-Ireland strategy should be adopted within the ambit of strand two of the Good Friday Agreement. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development should be instructed to make immediate contact with his colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Bríd Rodgers, MLA, with a view to putting in place an all-island strategy to ensure the agriculture industry, North and South, is protected.

It is impossible in modern times to stop the virus from crossing the Border. Viruses do not respect political boundaries. This is an infectious disease which can be transmitted by air for 60 kilometres over land and 300 kilometres over sea. I advocate strongly that the Tánaiste use the Good Friday Agreement to place a cordon around ports, North and South.

Mr. Quinn

I support and endorse the comments of Deputy Noonan, particularly his call for the adoption of an all-Ireland approach. I am sure the SDLP Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms Bríd Rodgers, MLA, would be sympathetic to such an approach.

The Tánaiste

This is an infectious disease which has the potential to cause serious damage to agricultural production. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development has been in touch with the authorities in Northern Ireland and London and he will respond in the debate scheduled at the good suggestion made by Deputies Noonan and Quinn. This issue should be approached on an all-island basis. Even in difficult times it was possible to have an all-island approach in the area of agriculture.

It is not clear whether the vehicle in question which is under examination, crossed the Border and visited a premises in Virginia, County Cavan. That premises has been restricted as a precautionary measure and is under observation. The Minister will deal with the specific detail of that in the debate. It is important we take precautionary steps.

Mr. Noonan

Will the Tánaiste revert to one of my original questions? Reports in the British newspapers suggest the virus is of Asiatic origin and that it may have entered the United Kingdom through an EU country. I understand significant quantities of meat are imported into Ireland from Asia and I would like clarification of the policy position in the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development on a possible ban on imports from countries in which the virus may have been originally sourced, in addition to the ban applied to the importation of UK meat and food products.

The Tánaiste

I have not been briefed on the matter raised by Deputy Noonan, but it is a good suggestion and I will ask the Minister to deal with it in the debate.

Mr. Quinn

I have raised my matter before and will do so again. On 4 January I wrote to the Taoiseach bringing to his attention the conflict of interest enjoyed by the Minister for the Environment and Local Government—

Mr. Dempsey

Alleged conflict of interest.

Mr. Quinn

—where he is responsible on the one hand for increasing by 50% the amounts which can be spent in the forthcoming general election which Fianna Fáil hopes to purchase rather than win—

Mr. Power

That is outrageous.

An Ceann Comhairle

Order, please.

Mr. Treacy

That is rich coming from a man who received much largesse.

Mr. Quinn

The conflict of interest—

Mr. Power

A rare opportunity to meet the Minister for Finance. Deputy Quinn has a short memory.

Mr. Quinn

I do not suppose the Deputy has any shares in caviar.

Mr. Power

The Deputy should not lecture the rest of us. His history is not great in this regard – a rare opportunity to meet the Minister for Finance.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Quinn to proceed.

Mr. Quinn

Caviar.

Mr. Treacy

Sup with Ruairí.

An Ceann Comhairle

Deputy Quinn should address himself to the question.

Mr. Quinn

Wait until Mr. Big starts to sing. The conflict of interest—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should not use this opportunity for topical questions to make serious allegations.

Mr. Quinn

The alleged conflict of interest.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should use the other procedure of a substantive motion.

Mr. Quinn

I wrote to the Taoiseach on 4 January. Deputy Noonan said infectious diseases do not respect political boundaries. I remind the Tánaiste that infectious diseases do not respect political boundaries where the contagion the Progressive Democrats might contract in this matter is concerned. It is 22 February. When will the Taoiseach reply to my letter of 4 January?

Mr. Noonan

Will the Tánaiste take the opportunity to clarify her party's position on corporate donations as distinct from the Government position as promulgated in the Bill in question?

The Tánaiste

I am not present to answer on behalf of the party but on behalf of the Government.

Mr. Gilmore

Is there a difference?

The Tánaiste

I said yesterday that I do not understand the distinction between incorporated bodies and wealthy individuals. The latter can donate £1,000 while they cannot even donate £100 if they are incorporated. There is not a huge difference.

Mr. Stagg

That says it all.

The Tánaiste

Perhaps the issue is the amount of money that should be given rather than the source of the money. Perhaps Deputy Noonan would reflect on that.

Mr. Noonan

There is a difference between corporations and individuals.

An Ceann Comhairle

Order, please. We cannot have this type of procedure.

The Tánaiste

Does that mean Deputy Noonan does not have any difficulty with an individual donating £1,000 and having it reimbursed by a corporation?

Mr. Quinn

Then they are acting illegally.

The Tánaiste

I urge Opposition Deputies to participate in an all-party process if they really want to resolve this issue as opposed to playing politics with it.

As regards Deputy Quinn's question, I will discuss his letter with the Taoiseach. The matter has been dealt with on the Order of Business on a number of occasions. I do not believe there is a conflict of interest between the role of the Minister, Deputy Dempsey, in his party and his role as Minister. If that were the case and one had any role in a political party, one probably could not serve in any ministry. I am sure the Taoiseach will respond to Deputy Quinn in writing if that is what the Deputy wishes.

Mr. Quinn

I thank the Tánaiste for her reply. The Taoiseach stated on a number of occasions that he will respond. However, there is a precedent irrespective of the content of the letter. It is not acceptable for the Taoiseach not to reply to correspondence from the leader of an Opposition party. It is bad practice and bad manners.

Mr. Dempsey

There was a bit of bad practice on Deputy Quinn's part yesterday.

An Ceann Comhairle

That concludes the leaders' questions. I point out that these are for brief questions. Owing to the nature of the first subject, the Chair was tolerant and allowed an unusually long time for it. Normally the questions would be brief. I will now take relevant questions on the Order of Business on promised legislation.

Ms Fitzgerald

Five years ago the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities made clear in its report that its recommendations could only be fully implemented if a disability Bill were passed. The Government indicated last year that the heads of a Bill would be available towards the end of that year. Nothing has happened so far. Will the Tánaiste indicate if the Government is committed to implementing disability legislation this term?

The Tánaiste

The heads of the Bill are due in the middle of this year and the Bill is due for publication later this year.

Mr. Gilmore

The Local Government Bill was scheduled for debate two weeks ago. It did not appear on this week's schedule and is not on next week's schedule. Is the Government withdrawing the Bill or can the Tánaiste state that the Fianna Fáil Independent Members have vetoed debate in the Dáil?

Mrs. Owen

According to the papers they have.

The Tánaiste

I assure the Deputy the Government is not withdrawing the Bill, but the Social Welfare Bill is very important and that is before the House. I am sure the Whips can discuss when we will take the Local Government Bill.

Mr. Gilmore

The Social Welfare Bill is not on next week's schedule. The Government is withdrawing the Local Government Bill.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Chair is trying to accommodate as many Deputies as possible and no Deputy should hog the Order of Business.

Mr. Gilmore

It is another glorious failure for the Minister for the Environment and Local Government.

Mr. Browne

(Carlow-Kilkenny): In the context of promised legislation on housing and building, a recent decision by Carlow County Council to grant permission was appealed to An Bord Pleanála by a third party. The inspector from the board overruled the objections, yet the board ignored its inspector's report. Is there any plan to bring An Bord Pleanála into some form of democracy where things can be—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy can pursue that by way of a parliamentary question. I do not think it is promised legislation.

Mr. Browne

(Carlow-Kilkenny): The Building Control Bill and the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill are promised and should cover it.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Tánaiste has indicated that no legislation is promised in this area.

Mr. Browne

(Carlow-Kilkenny): I hope she considers it.

Mrs. Owen

Ms Justice Susan Denham's courts commission published a report last year advocating a disciplinary and conduct code for the Judiciary. Is legislation needed to implement that and where is that legislation? I understand the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform promised such legislation. In view of the appalling comments allegedly made by a judge, that it is acceptable to beat a woman, and the fact that judges have such an important role in society—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy cannot make a statement.

Mrs. Owen

—there should be a code of conduct and discipline.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): On the same legislation, many women and children are subject to violence in their homes from abusive men.

An Ceann Comhairle

A question, please. We cannot have a statement.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): I am not making a statement. It is a fact.

An Ceann Comhairle

Will the Deputy ask a question, please?

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): It is a perverse fact that the abuser believes he is being provoked and is, therefore, justified. We now have a district court judge—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is making a statement.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): I want to ask a question.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should ask a question on promised legislation.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): Deputy Noonan grossly abused the Standing Orders on leaders' questions. He was able to make a five minute statement—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Chair allowed him to do so because of the nature of the subject.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): I was excluded, despite the fact that it was supposed to be a brief question. Deputy Noonan's formulation of the Standing Order excluded me but he was allowed to go on for five minutes.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy cannot criticise the Chair. He is being disorderly. He has been given the floor to ask a question and if he does not ask a question he should resume his seat.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): I will ask a question.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should do so now.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): I am being interrupted in asking it. The Courts and Court Officers Bill—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is quoting. Will he please ask a question?

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): I would have made my point long ago if I were allowed. That Bill provides for qualifications—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is not entitled to make a point on the Order of Business.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): Can I ask the Tánaiste—

An Ceann Comhairle

You can ask.

Mr. Higgins

(Dublin West): When will this Bill be introduced and will its provisions include a provision for peremptory sacking of judges who betray crass ignorance and prejudice in the statements they make, such as the recent comments on violence against women being justified in certain circumstances?

The Tánaiste

I share the concerns expressed by Deputies. The remarks are totally unacceptable. The judicial committee which published its report on 25 January recommended that a judicial council be established on a statutory basis to deal with matters related to the conduct of judges. Legislation will be forthcoming in this area when the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has had a chance to consider all the recommendations.

Mr. Broughan

Given the disturbing reports about the treatment and bad conditions of immigrant workers, such as the report in the current edition of the SIPTU newspaper, Newsline, has the Tánaiste given thought to legislation to regulate agencies which bring in workers from abroad?

The Tánaiste

All workers in the State are entitled to the protection of legislation in this area but some workers unfortunately do not speak English. Consequently, we recently decided to issue every immigrant worker with details of their rights in their native language, which may help. The issue of registering or of changing the registration of agencies bringing in workers is being considered.

Mr. Connaughton

To go back to the foot and mouth issue, has the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development spoken to his counterpart in the North, Bríd Rodgers? I merely want a yes or no answer.

An Ceann Comhairle

That will be debated later this evening.

Mr. Connaughton

I hope he has.

An Ceann Comhairle

It is not in order now on the Order of Business. The Deputy will have the opportunity to raise the issue later this evening.

Ms McManus

On the Order of Business, I asked that the Minister for Health and Children waive privilege regarding documents the Irish Haemophiliac Society required. Consequent to my raising the issue, the Minister decided to release documents, which I understand will occur next week. Other institutions are refusing to follow his example.

An Ceann Comhairle

On promised legislation.

Ms McManus

Will the Tánaiste and the Minister for Health and Children exert influence on these institutions in view of the seriousness of the tragedy—

An Ceann Comhairle

That question is not appropriate to the Order of Business and the Deputy can pursue the matter in other ways.

Ms McManus

I appreciate that but I ask the Tánaiste to take on board my points and to exert influence on institutions like the BTSB.

Mr. Naughten

A number of infrastructural Bills are currently with the Department of Public Enterprise, such as the Bord Gáis Éireann and electricity Bills. In light of reports today that shortage of energy threatens the development of commerce and future employment prospects—

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should ask a question.

Mr. Naughten

—will those Bills be expedited? Also, last Tuesday we discussed a rail safety incident.

An Ceann Comhairle

Does this relate to promised legislation?

Mr. Naughten

This relates to promised legislation, the rail safety legislation. The Minister misled the House on the fact that there was no formal inquiry regarding the 22 December investigation and that the driver had not been trained.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is being disorderly.

Mr. Naughten

Will the Chair give the Minister the opportunity to correct the record, given the misleading statement he made last Tuesday?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy can pursue that in another way. This is the Order of Business. Deputy Quinn.

Mr. Higgins

(Mayo): On the same issue—

An Ceann Comhairle

I have called Deputy Quinn. I will come back to Deputy Higgins.

Mr. Quinn

It is appropriate that the Tánaiste is here as over a year ago the Whistleblowers Protection Bill reached Second Stage. It falls within the remit of her Department and protects people who witness wrongdoing in companies, allowing them immunity to bring that wrongdoing into the public domain. We might not have needed the tribunals if that legislation had been in place.

An Ceann Comhairle

A question please.

Mr. Quinn

The Bill has reached Second Stage. What personal commitment does the Tánaiste have in seeing it proceed as rapidly as possible? When will she make herself available to the committee to have the Bill processed?

The Tánaiste

Regarding the issues raised by Deputy Naughten, the heads of the electricity legislation are due in the middle of this year. The Bill is not due until next year and the Bord Gáis Bill is due early next year also. Rail safety legislation is due in the middle of this year.

The Minister of State at my Department, Deputy Kitt, is handling the legislation mentioned by Deputy Quinn. Amendments to the Bill proposed by Deputy Quinn's party will be forthcoming soon.

Mr. Shatter

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has published new legislation dealing with the probation and welfare service. In light of a judge's decision yesterday, when she stated in court that she could not order two convicted offenders to do community service due to the absence of probation and welfare officers attached to the courts who could run the community service scheme, will the Tánaiste indicate when new legislation in this regard will be brought before the House? What steps are being taken to ensure the Community Services Order Bill, 1982, is working and that such orders can be put into effect by our courts?

The Tánaiste

I am not aware if legislation is necessary in this area to give effect to the Deputy's suggestions but I will discuss this with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.

Mr. Hayes

I understand the heads of the pensions Bill have been agreed by Cabinet and it is expected that the Bill will be published before Easter. When will it be published?

The Tánaiste

The Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs tells me it will be published before Easter but he does not have a specific date yet.

Mr. Timmins

Last June the Town Renewal Bill was passed and 100 towns were covered by it. One of the main provisions related to commercial financial incentives but I understand sanction has not been received from the EU for the implementation of those incentives. When will this occur? Seven months later there is no movement on this.

The Tánaiste

I ask the Deputy to table a question as I am not in a position to tell him when.

Mr. Crawford

Can the Tánaiste tell us when something will be done about the cost of consultants' fees? Under the Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill will it be possible to cover the insurance for the Monaghan General Hospital maternity unit and to deal with similar problems? This is an urgent issue that must be dealt with immediately.

The Tánaiste

I understand legislation regarding medical practitioners' fees will be published this year.

Mr. Higgins

(Mayo): It was nice of the Chair to get to me.

An Ceann Comhairle

Everyone has to get his or her turn. Other Deputies were patient and the Deputy should also be patient.

The Tánaiste

I understand legislation on medical practitioners' fees will be published by the middle of this year.

Mr. Higgins

(Mayo): In recent months, we have expressed concern that the country is facing a major electricity crisis. A newspaper report today carries details of a confidential Government report which predicts that we are about to have a major power collapse on the same scale as that in California. We are on the brink of an economic catastrophe, in terms of generating and transmission capacity. Deputy Naughten referred earlier to two Bills, namely the Electricity Bill to give effect to the restructuring of the electricity industry and the Gas Regulation Bill to give effect to the restructuring of the natural gas industry. The Tánaiste said those Bills would be published in 2002. That is hopelessly inadequate and much too late. The delay will put paid to Ireland's aspirations to be the e-commerce capital of the world. Why is this matter not being treated with greater urgency? Why is the legislation not being front-loaded? We are not facing up to the crisis which is imminent.

The Tánaiste

The transmission network needs an investment of approximately £140 million over the next year or so, but legislation is not required to deal with this. Action on the issues raised by the Deputy does not have to await the legislation to restructure the two companies concerned.

Mr. Noonan

Is it in order to invite Deputy Ned O'Keeffe to make a personal statement in the House on his version of events surrounding his resignation as Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development?

An Ceann Comhairle

That is a matter for Deputy O'Keeffe.

Mr. Noonan

He has an invitation now.

An Ceann Comhairle

I note that today's Order of Business has been concluded at 18 minutes to 12 noon.