The Order of Business today shall be: No. 52 – ACC Bank Bill, 2001 – Order for Report and Report and Final Stages; No 53 – Vocational Education (Amendment) Bill, 2000 – Second Stage (resumed); No. 54 – Agriculture Appeals Bill, 2001 [Seanad] – Second Stage (resumed). It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that (1) the Report and Final Stages of No. 52 shall be taken today and the proceedings thereon, if not previously concluded, will be brought to a conclusion at 12 noon 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; and (2) Questions shall be taken today from 3.30 p.m. until 4.45 p.m. and in the event of a Private Notice Question being allowed, it shall be taken at 4.15 p.m.; and the order shall not resume thereafter.
Order of Business.
There are two proposals to be put to the House. The first is the proposal for dealing with No. 52. Is that proposal agreed? Agreed.
The second is the proposal relates to the taking of Question Time today. Is that agreed? Agreed.
The Department of Finance yesterday conceded that the cost of the national development plan would increase by more than 50% over the next three years. This is having a major impact on the delivery of necessary infrastructure. The economy is growing and we hope it will continue to do so. The plan must be delivered in full and on time to ensure that the infrastructural deficit which is bedevilling our economic and social life is removed. Otherwise traffic gridlock throughout the country will be worse than it is this morning, the rail service will continue to deteriorate, Dublin Airport will be bursting at the seams and Luas will remain a plan rather than a transport system. Taking this into account and particularly taking into account that the resources dedicated to the plan appear to be largely going to extra tender costs rather than extra infrastructural projects, will the Taoiseach undertake to set in train a fundamental revaluation of the costings of the national development plan to ensure the infrastructural deficit commences to be bridged? Transport is getting worse rather than better at the moment, as anybody in this city or around the country will tell the Taoiseach.
Bearing in mind not only the significant new financial difficulties that are emerging in the way of implementing the national development plan, as outlined, but the significant objections and planning difficulties, what new structural interdepartmental arrangements does the Taoiseach intend to put in place to ensure that the time frame laid out for implementing the essential infrastructural improvements is adhered to?
The Department of Finance continually monitors the cost of implementing the national development plan across all Departments and State agencies. It is well known that price inflation in many of these areas has been quite high and although it has eased back in some areas it is still quite high. There has been a requirement to try to attract contractors from other countries for the bigger projects. There has been an aggressive campaign by the Cabinet committee on infrastructure and by the key officials group to bring the development plans to other countries and to show what is required if we are to reach the full implementation of the plan. Last year, according to the audit of the Department of Finance, 95% of the plan was completed. The House will agree that in its first full year that is a good performance. The mechanisms are in place to continue to monitor the plan across a range of areas.
We are just 16 months into a seven year plan and work is continuing on its implementation. An enormous amount of road infrastructure is involved and £1 billion is being spent on the railways. Some £200 million is being spent on Dublin Bus services, along with £86 million on Bus Éireann. In addition, there is an increased sub vention for CIE, which is up by 51%. A sum of £600 million is being spent on the greater Dublin rail network, not to mention the national rail network. An enormous amount of infrastructure is being supplied for the Lissendale-Swords bypass linking Dublin Airport to Balbriggan. The extension of the M50 is included, as is the doubling of the bridge side.
What about the Macroom bypass?
You asked the question.
Also included in the plan is the completion of the road to the M50, the south-eastern motorway, the tunnel commencement, the planning of the metro and the completion of the Luas.
Is the Taoiseach doing a test for a taxi licence?
Order, please. The Taoiseach without interruption.
All of these projects will continue. Unfortunately, over the years it was not possible to deal with such infrastructure.
The Taoiseach has been there since 1977.
However, as I have said many times, the 1980s was the time to sort out the national debt and I am glad I was part of a Government that did that. Unemployment was dealt with in the 1990s and I am glad I was part of a Government that did that. This decade is the one in which infrastructural issues will be dealt with. I am glad to be part of a Government that will do that, also.
That is not what Deputy O'Malley said.
Is that an official Labour Party statement, or is the Deputy wearing an old hat?
Can we have order please? Deputy Noonan should proceed.
I cannot proceed in a disorderly House.
By not proceeding, the Deputy is encouraging that kind of disorder. If the Deputy proceeds the House will listen to him.
I am to blame for everything around here, even the unruly Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
If the Deputy creates a vacuum it will be filled by others.
We have seen a very good example of the Taoiseach trying to distract us all from the most fundamental problem with detail. The problem is that in the first three years of the plan, costs have risen by 53%. That means that one is getting about two thirds of the estimated output in the list the Taoiseach outlined. The Government does not seem to be sponsoring a policy to ensure that there are extra contractors in the country. For example, contractors who could have come in from Great Britain, Germany, France or Italy to build the roads are not coming because with the destruction of the private rental sector by the Minister for Finance, they would not have any accommodation.
The Deputy does not want the facts to interfere with the fiction.
Is the Taoiseach aware that in the first five months of this year housing starts have gone down by 17%? We are not getting value for money because tender prices for every public project are going up all the time. Therefore, the return on capital investment is not forthcoming and the national development plan, like many other projects for which the Taoiseach is responsible, is off the rails because it is costing 50% more than estimated. That is why we have traffic chaos and the railways and airports are in such a state. Will the Taoiseach do anything about this? All is not well in the best of all possible worlds.
I wish to correct Deputy Noonan and remind him that we are a year and four months – not three years – into the plan. More foreign contracting firms than ever are now tendering for projects. This is happening for major projects such as the Dublin to Belfast, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Waterford routes.
The Bertie bowl.
We have assembled those in such a way and have made the necessary changes so that contracts can be taken in one segment rather than in smaller ones that do not interest foreign contractors. As lately as last week, we were talking to the CIF, IBEC and ICTU about the arrangements to allow compatibility with our laws and regulations for foreign contracting firms. This will allow proper arrangements for temporary accommodation which will be used for the duration of the contracts.
There is no doubt the price inflation eats up some of the resources and it would be nice if that were not the case. The Deputy raised the issue of house building, although the figures he quoted may be somewhat dated.
The figure is 17% which is directly due to Government policy.
In fairness and for completeness, the Deputy should also say the price increases of 38% are now back to just 1% or 2%. There has been an enormous improvement.
They are still increasing, with fewer houses and more demand.
Is the Taoiseach aware of what is believed to have been a racially motivated petrol bomb attack on a church hall in Dublin this week? This is one of a growing pattern of racially motivated assaults and other incidents in which businesses have been attacked and windows broken. The incidents have placed members of racial minorities in this city and country under physical and verbal assault. In light of that, will the Taoiseach explain to the House why the national anti-racism awareness campaign, which was budgeted last year at £4.5 million, has not taken place? Why has the Government done nothing to educate and prepare people for a different type of cultural and racial mix here in the future? Why has the promise of 15 months ago clearly not been delivered upon?
Will the Taoiseach outline any plans the Government may have for a multi-cultural society, as well as plans to reduce some of the racial tension which is now evident, particularly in the Dublin area?
Along with all Members of the House, I condemn any such attacks which work against equality for people in this country. The high level steering group is implementing the three year strategy on anti-racism and inter-culturalism, and is working on a public awareness campaign. The group, which was established by the Minister, has been allocated the resources to do so. The group's programme, as announced, is to act as a catalyst to stimulate public awareness and understanding of cultural diversity, and to help create the conditions to make it more difficult for racism to exist. It is using its resources to contribute to a range of policies to promote an inclusive approach to minority ethnic groups, including refugees and asylum seekers. The Minister established a broad-based group, which includes representatives of ethnic minority communities involved in racism and asylum issues. It comprises the four social partners, the Equality Authority, the national consultative committee on racism and relevant Departments. It has been given its remit and received resources. It is doing its job. The timing of its work, however, is a matter for it. I am sure it has the support of the House and, certainly, the Government parties in the work it is doing. I wish it well.
What the Taoiseach has announced was announced by the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform 15 months ago. There has been no national campaign. A sum of £4.5 million, approved by the House, has not been spent in that time. Is the Taoiseach satisfied with that position? Is that what we are to understand from his reply? He has repeatedly promised a review of the legislation on the incitement to racial hatred in reply to questions in the House. Where lies that review? When will there be a Government response?
A high level group, representative of all the organisations involved, was established and is dealing with the issue with the Government support which it believes is best. Ireland is committed to combating racism in all its forms.
There has been no campaign.
We have put in place the most comprehensive range of legislation to tackle racism and promote human rights. We have introduced the Human Rights Bill, 1998. The Human Rights Commission Bill, 1999, due this session, will serve to protect people against racism in their employment and other areas of life. We have also supported the European conference on racism organised by the Council of Europe.
Where is the campaign?
The campaign, and the work of the committee led by its chairman, is in place and working in various communities. It is up to them to follow it.
Where?
The group has its own strategy for using its advertisement money.
Is the Taoiseach happy with that?
I am happy that the Minister has put in place a good committee, representative of minority groups, to deal with the issue. It is doing its work as well as it can. The highest proportion of asylum seekers, probably, reside in my area and I see the work the committee is doing in trying to help and integrate them. I support the campaign.
That will be the day when one of the representatives is a member of a prison visiting committee to break up the Kerry monopoly.
The issue is a powder keg.
Everybody will agree that planning is fundamental to the provision of transport infrastructure. I refer the Taoiseach to No. 43 in the Government's legislative programme, the greater Dublin area land use and transport authority Bill which will make provision for land use and transport planning in the greater Dublin area and the establishment of a greater Dublin area land use and transport authority and which was launched some weeks ago with great fanfare. Yet, according to the legislative programme, it will not be published until 2002. Will the Taoiseach ask his Minister for all talk and no action, Deputy Dempsey, to do a little better? How can we have a national plan if the fundamental legislation, announced through great public relations, will not be implemented until next year?
The Deputy should have read some of the detail. He would then know when it is due.
The Minister was spinning again.
Deputy Noonan should have done some research before he put the question.
Order, please. The Taoiseach has the floor.
Read the press release.
Press releases are all the Minister is good for.
It is a Government of press releases.
Please allow the Taoiseach to reply.
He must await a press release from the Minister.
The greater Dublin area land use and transport authority Bill, which will make provision for land use and transport planning in the greater Dublin area, was launched a number of weeks ago. With the agreement of all the organisations involved, the Government consented to a request that there should be a two month consultation period, approximately half of which has expired. As soon as it has concluded, the Minister for the Environment and Local Government will commence work on the Bill. While it will take some time to draft the legislation, it will be well worth it for the future. Unfortunately, there never has been a land use policy for the greater Dublin area.
There was a fair policy around Kinsealy.
When is the consolidation company law Bill likely to come before the House and is it likely to deal with examinership? Is the Taoiseach aware of the threat to 350 jobs at Antigen in Roscrea?
The content of the legislation will be a matter for discussion when it comes before the House.
Has the Tánaiste held any discussions with the company?
That question is not rel evant to the Order of Business. A question on legislation, please.
I was hoping, Sir, after hearing from the Taoiseach, that you might permit private notice questions on the issue. As you know, Sir, the rate of attrition of traditional jobs in County Tipperary has been extremely serious.
It cannot be raised at this stage. The Deputy knows that there are other ways by which the matter might be raised.
With respect, I would like to give you notice that I will table a private notice question on the matter.
The Deputy does not have to state that in the House. He knows the procedure.
Can I receive a reply regarding the legislation to which I referred?
I do not have a date for the legislation but, to help the Deputy, existing law covers the issue raised.
When will the Government publish the residential institutions Bill, through which it proposes to compensate victims of child sexual abuse? Can I take it that the delay in publishing the legislation is due to the fact that the Government may be taking into account the concerns expressed by my colleague, Deputy Enright, and will proceed to compensate all victims?
What will be in the Bill is not relevant.
The Bill will be in the House this session.
I refer to Nos. 33 and 90 in the Government's legislative programme. No. 33 is the national parks and historic properties Bill, which is due in mid-2002. However, that cannot happen. I understood the heads of the legislation were ready some time ago. What is the position?
The comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty Bill is scheduled for 2002. It is difficult to imagine that we are preparing to be a rogue state or will be testing nuclear weapons. Why can the Bill not be introduced sooner? It, simply, provides for Ireland honouring its commitments to a convention.
Work on the national parks and historic properties Bill has been suspended—
Because of the Blasket Islands case.
—because of work on the convention on international trade and endangered species Bill and other issues relating to the commencement of the Wildlife Act, 2000. The Bill is not due for some time.
The comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty Bill provides for the implementation of our obligations under the treaty. I will follow up on the questions raised by the Deputy. The heads of the Bill are not expected until the end of the year. I will ask if anything can be done. As the Deputy said, the Bill will ratify the treaty. It is a 20 head Bill and I will check if it can be brought forward.
Is the publication of the national parks and historic properties Bill affected by the Blasket Islands case? Will there be no protective legislation for national parks and historic properties until the international conventions are clarified? I presumed Ireland had signed the conventions and that it was a matter of transposing them into law.
I understand priority is being given to the ratification of the convention on endangered species and the other issues relating to the commencement of the Wildlife Act, 2000. The Department wants to complete the work on this legislation before continuing with the work on the national parks and historic properties Bill. The same officials are, probably, involved in all three items of legislation.
The Bill was at an advanced stage in 1997.
(Mayo): On Tuesday the Minister for Public Enterprise, in response to a question from Deputy Deasy, stated that the take-over of the Whitegate oil refinery from Irish National Petroleum Company was imminent. That cannot happen, however, until such time as the Irish National Petroleum Corporation Limited Bill is introduced. The deal cannot be finalised. On the one hand the deal is imminent. On the other, this tells us that the legislation is not envisaged until late 2001. In view of the fact that the deal is awaiting the legislation, will the Taoiseach fast-track the legislation to ensure it is brought before the House at the earliest possible stage?
If it was creating that difficulty, I am sure the board would have made the Department aware of it. The heads of the Bill are expected to be completed some time next month but the legislation will not be in the House until the autumn.
The Taoiseach did not reply to part of my last question so I will put it again. When will the long promised review of the incitement to racial hatred legislation be completed and when can we expect amending legislation before the House? He might also indicate to us when the long promised immigration and residence Bill will be debated in this House.
On the first Bill, the Deputy should put down a question to the Minister—
The Taoiseach promised it himself.
—because it is a review of legislation. The heads of the immigration and residence Bill are expected shortly. The Government Bill will be taken in the autumn. The heads of a refugee reception integration agency Bill, which is being drafted, are almost complete.
I want to ask two questions. First, on the issue of racism and immigrant related issues, the Taoiseach will be aware that there are serious undercurrents in this city and throughout the country.
We cannot have a debate on the legislation now.
There is a Government motion on the Order Paper which has an amendment in my name seeking the appointment of a Minister to co-ordinate immigrant affairs. That debate has been adjourned for almost two years. Will the Taoiseach find an occasion to either recommence the debate or introduce another amendment because we need a Minister to co-ordinate immigrant affairs.
Second, I ask that the Courts and Court Officers Bill be brought forward as soon as possible. There is a clear conflict of interest for the Attorney General under section 7(a) and it needs to be addressed by this House.
I will speak to the Whip about the possibility of a debate. The heads of the refugee reception integration agency Bill, which will provide for the co-ordination of services for asylum seekers and refugees, will be ready shortly. That is important legislation in this area. The Courts and Court Officers Bill is awaiting Second Stage in the House.
On promised legislation, is the Government embarrassed or even concerned about the fact that this country is languishing around the bottom of the international league of countries unable to come to terms with the challenges of climate change?
That is not true.
On legislation, I would like to ask about an energy conservation Bill but it does not exist. I would like to ask about a climate change strategy Bill but we just have the very long press release from the Minister on the matter. Is there any sign of the Irish Energy Centre Bill which was promised before Easter? It is not on the list of Bills to be published, it is not on the list of Bills just published and it is not on the list of Bills enacted. Has that Bill vaporised with all the other rhetoric? The Irish Energy Centre Bill was the one item of legislation on the Government programme that had anything to do with climate change.
I think I told the Deputy recently that that Bill would be available shortly. I will check on that again for him. The Minister has spoken frequently on the other issues both inside and outside the House and the Deputy should raise them with him again.
Which Minister?
The Minister for the Environment and Local Government.
Every Minister is concerned.
Sounds like a job for the Minister of State, Deputy Ó Cuív. Did he ever find a job?
As always, he is doing an excellent job.
Is the Taoiseach aware of the serious crisis in the district veterinary offices throughout the country where staff are on a work to rule and are refusing to sign permits?
Is this question to do with legislation?
It is extremely important as far as those who are trying to move livestock—
It is not a question on legislation.
As far as the public are concerned—
There are two items of housing legislation on the legislative programme, the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, publication of which is not expected until late 2001, and the Housing (Private Rented Sector) Bill, publication of which is not expected until mid-2002.
That is the end of that.
Will the Taoiseach indicate if those dates are accurate and, if so, will he acknowledge that in the lifetime of this Government it will not have enacted legislation to deal with any aspect of the housing crisis?
That just shows that we do not need legislation to build a record number of houses—
There are twice as many people on the housing lists.
—and we will continue to do that. The heads of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill were approved on 25 April and the legislation has been passed. As I said previously, the Housing (Private Rented Sector) Bill is to give effect to the Report of the Commission on the Private Rented Sector. The heads of that Bill will not be ready until the autumn.
The number of homeless people has doubled. The Taoiseach made a bad job of that.
Tenants must wait.
We have heard the Taoiseach is clearing the decks in various Departments and getting much of the workload done. When will he publish the sports capital grants Bill and is there any chance that we will have a White Paper on basic income given that one of the characteristics of the Government has been the growth of the gap between the poorer and richer sections of our society?
The Deputy should raise those matters by way of a parliamentary question.