Will the Tánaiste indicate what is the problem with the legislation for the regulation of charities? Has the Government had an opportunity to consider the European Union ruling to the effect that donations allowable for tax purposes may now be made in respect of a charity registered anywhere in Europe? As we have no charities legislation, it leaves a degree of vulnerability in regard to Irish charities for which tax relief is important. What exactly is the problem?
Order of Business (Resumed).
The Deputy must not have been present when the Taoiseach dealt with this issue yesterday and referred to the complexities which have arisen.
The Minister is the legal brain. I want his view.
The issue does not come under my remit, it comes under the jurisdiction of the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
The Bill was in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform for seven or eight years.
The Taoiseach explained clearly yesterday all the difficulties involved. The Bill will be published next year.
Has the Government considered the EU ruling which gives rise to a taxation issue?
The Deputy should submit a question to the line Minister.
When will the EPACE Bill be published and what powers will it imbue when enacted?
In 2009.
It is not possible to say at this stage.
Surprise, surprise. Another outbreak of silence. It is the Government's responsibility.
I do not know whether tackling corruption in Government is still part of the Progressive Democrats agenda, but when will the Criminal Justice (UN Convention against Corruption) Bill be published?
Yes and no.
The Tánaiste should say "Yes".
It will be published in 2007.
In light of yesterday's announcement by HSE officials that the Teamwork report will be rolled out nationally, when will time be given to discuss the report in the House? Its serious implications are not for County Monaghan alone.
If a debate is not promised, it is a matter for the Whips.
Someone in Government should decide who is running the health service.
Is a debate promised?
It will be promised in a minute.
No debate is promised. It is a matter for the Whips.
Will the Tánaiste guarantee a debate?
He will.
Will the long-promised pharmacy Bill address the anomalous three-year rule that affects non-Irish trained pharmacists? Will the Bill be before the Dáil this session? It has been promised several times and while I received answers stating it would appear shortly, that has not happened.
The Bill will be published this session and will deal with the three-year rule.
The Tánaiste set up a committee to inquire into the regulation of auctioneering and he confirmed to the House that he will introduce legislation in that respect. Has the Tánaiste reconsidered that?
No specific legislation has been promised, but the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is sponsoring a major initiative in this matter. On a non-statutory basis, we are making preparations for a new regime for auctioneers. When the committee reports to the Department, we will prepare legislation to give effect to the reform programme.