It is proposed to take No. 14, statements on European Council, Brussels and No.10, Criminal Justice Bill 2004 — motion re instruction to committee, resumed, in accordance with the order of the Dáil of 28 March 2006. It is 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. The suspension of sitting under Standing Order 23(1) shall take place on the conclusion of No. 14 until 2.30 p.m.; the proceedings on No. 14 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 80 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: (i) statements shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 60 minutes, and shall be confined to the Taoiseach and to the main spokespersons for the Fine Gael Party, the Labour Party and the Technical Group, who shall be called upon in that order, who may share their time, and which shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case and (ii) immediately following the statements, the Minister for Foreign Affairs shall take questions for a period not exceeding 20 minutes. Private Members' business shall be No. 30, Road Traffic (Mobile Telephony) Bill 2006 — Second Stage, resumed, to conclude at 8.30 p.m.
Order of Business.
There are two proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal for the late sitting agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 14, Statements on the European Council agreed? Agreed.
I wish to raise two matters on the Order of Business. Yesterday evening the Government declared a national emergency in respect of accident and emergency units. While Leaders' Questions provides an opportunity to pursue these matters I believe the declaration of a national emergency for accident and emergency units——
We spent 48 minutes on Leaders' Questions when, as the Deputy is aware, only 21 minutes is allotted for Leaders' Questions. We are running behind time on other business and we cannot return to Leaders' Questions now. If the Deputy has a question appropriate to the Order of Business I will allow it, otherwise we should move on to the next item.
I did not intend to return to Leaders' Questions.
That is what the Deputy started to do. Does Deputy Kenny have a question appropriate to the Order of Business?
The Ceann Comhairle is the only one safe around here after his declaration last week.
If the Deputy has fears about safety he will have to find another way of raising them.
The Ceann Comhairle takes the attitude that he knows what everyone is going to say.
No, but I do not wish to waste time.
We should attempt to put in place a health service system that works.
That does not arise on the Order of Business.
It does. In view of the importance of it I suggest a debate in the House, where everyone could give a view on the targets set by the Tánaiste and the Government to deal with this. The views of all Members should be taken into account and answers should be given in so far as is possible in an effort——
Hear, hear.
——to back up what the Government has belatedly realised is a national emergency. We offer support in that context. That question was in order on the Order of Business.
The Minister for Education and Science promised to introduce legislation to streamline the payments of third level grants through a single agency. This legislation is not on the list of priority legislation but the measure is set to take effect this year. When can we expect to see that legislation published?
The first matter will be discussed with the Whips. The third level support legislation is due this year.
Is it the intention of the Government to bring in a Supplementary Estimate to support the national emergency declared in the health services?
Is legislation promised?
No.
Targeted resources with no money.
Regarding the expected legal challenges to emissions trading and the failure to implement a "polluter pays" principle, will this alter the timeframe for the carbon fund Bill, which is on the Order Paper? Will any amendments be made before that Bill is published?
The legislation is being drafted and is listed for publication this year.
Regarding HIV, hepatitis C and the failure to pursue the pharmaceutical companies, can a proper debate be accommodated in this Chamber as the matter has caused tremendous concern throughout the State?
Legislation will be introduced during this session.
We now move on to No. 14, statements on the European Council.
What about my contribution?
There will be an opportunity tomorrow. Some 80 minutes have been allotted to this debate so we will run beyond 1.30 p.m. as matters stand.
I did not delay the business of the House.
In fairness to staff, who will be here until 11.30 p.m., we should move on. It is the prerogative of the Chair to decide this.
What about fairness for me?