Micheál Martin
Ceist:1 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will provide details of official commemorations which are either scheduled or under consideration to be held during the next three years. [8194/11]
Ceisteanna — Questions
Commemorative Events
Gerry Adams
Ceist:2 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach the official commemorations under consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9265/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
Further to my response on this subject on 12 April, I have recently written to party leaders regarding the re-establishment of the Oireachtas consultation group in relation to the commemorative programme for the centenary anniversaries in the period to 2016. Subject to the responses received, I hope the group will be re-established in the coming weeks. I am aware of the keen interest in the Oireachtas and of members of the public in the development of the commemorative programme.
In addition to the centenary programme, commemorations of other notable events will be organised or assisted by my Department. These include the annual Great Famine commemoration in May by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, the annual Daniel O'Connell commemoration in May in association with the Glasnevin Trust and the annual July Somme commemoration in association with the Royal British Legion. Prominent among the possibilities under consideration are the centenary of the Titanic voyage in 2012 and the millennium of the Battle of Clontarf in 2014. I would be grateful to receive suggestions from Deputies with regard to other occasions of national significance they would recommend for consideration.
The Department of the Taoiseach is, by and large, the lead Department for commemorations. A significant distinction has been drawn between permanent State commemorations such as that at Arbour Hill and once-off programmes such as the Famine and 1798 commemorations. Our commemorations have been successful because they have not been partisan or tribal but have commemorated broad national movements. I am sure it is the Taoiseach's intention to maintain this policy and approach. The 1916 and National Day of Commemoration events are valuable. Recent events have demonstrated the significant degree of public interest and engagement in such commemorations. The 90th anniversary of the 1916 Rising is a good illustration of such interest.
My party has received correspondence from the Taoiseach on nominees for the consultation group. We have made a decision in the matter which we will forward to the Taoiseach. Has he considered the possibility of handing over responsibility for the entire commemoration agenda to the Oireachtas for it to work and deliberate on?
I do not propose to comment on the millennium of the Battle of Clontarf other than to suggest Deputy Finian McGrath will have an informed perspective on ongoing battles in Clontarf.
The Deputy is welcome to Clontarf any time.
I confirm to Deputy Martin that it is the Government's intention and the intention of my Department that these commemorations should first be discussed in a broad sense, should be sensitive and should be co-operative, where that is appropriate. I look forward to receiving responses from other party leaders as to who they wish to nominate to the consultative group. I assure the Deputy it will be as broad and generous as can be. I have no particular aversion to Deputy Finian McGrath, himself a well-known veteran of battles of Clontarf, being able to assist in respect of renewed energy in 2014 and I shall convey the Deputy's interest in that regard to him.
It has been mentioned previously in the House that because of the sensitive nature of some of the aforementioned commemorations in the context of an all-island dimension, interests from Northern Ireland should be involved in the consideration of how to go about commemorating a number of significant events in the history of the island, the anniversaries of which are falling due. Contact should be made, perhaps through the Oireachtas consultation committee and other means, with a variety of interests from different traditions on the island of Ireland to have their input on the shape and design of such commemorations. For example, the centenary of the Titanic offers a useful opportunity for an all-island approach.
Yes, I will give consideration to an appropriate appointment in respect of Northern Ireland. Obviously, the Ulster centenary committee consultation report was published and there were invitations to be associated with that. There may be a number of commemorations in which there might be a genuine willingness to have a joint commemoration and were that the case, that is fair enough. Others may seek individual commemorations to take place in a different way but the Government will take on board all the points from the different parties in the hope of putting together a series of appropriate, relevant and sensitively arranged commemoratives ceremonies. I believe that covers the point raised by the Deputy.
Fáiltím roimh ath-eagrú choiste an Oireachtais do chomóraithe stairiúla chun comóradh céad bliana a dhéanamh ar féin rialú a bhaint amach. Tá mé an-sásta leis sin agus fuair mé litir an Taoisigh maidir leis. Tá a fhios againn, ar ndóigh, go bhfuil an gnó sin fós le baint amach. I welcome the re-establishment of the Oireachtas consultation group on centenary commemorations. I seek further detail on what form the consultations to which the Taoiseach referred will take. Will this be truly national? Will there be an all-island or all-Ireland input? Will such events include the Ulster Covenant of 1912, the 1913 lockout in Dublin and Waterford or the Proclamation yet to be achieved? Will the Taoiseach raise these matters with the First and deputy First Ministers?
I am sure the Taoiseach will have noted that the elections have just taken place in the North and will wish to join in commending all the parties, the Sinn Féin party in particular, on their success in that area. Will the Taoiseach put in place arrangements to involve representatives from the Assembly, civic society and the diaspora in the consultation group? It is not enough simply to commemorate all these events. Many of them were glorious failures or defeats. At some time, someone will commemorate the bailout——
Perhaps we could have a question.
——and how the Government lost that battle. I seek to examine these past events to gain an understanding and appreciation for the future because these events, particularly those which are part of the radical republican national tradition, are all about the future and we should learn lessons and move forward on that basis.
Tá a fhios agam go raibh an Teachta gnóthach le cúpla lá leis na toghcháin ó Thuaidh agus nach raibh sé i láthair anseo. As the Deputy said when he asked me the question whether there would be all-Ireland representation, he has not been behind the fence, at least on this occasion, in saying he represents an all-Ireland party. On the last occasion the previous Taoiseach nominated the Minister for Defence as chairman of the consultation group which included Deputy Jimmy Deenihan, the new Minister for Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht Affairs, Deputy Joe Costello of the Labour Party, Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh from Sinn Féin and Deputy Michael Lowry as an Independent. At the time the Green Party was satisfied that the Minister for Defence would ably represent its views on the consultation group. From that point of view, all of the issues raised by Deputy Gerry Adams and the range of incidents or events that should be commemorated can be discussed by the consultation group. We put in place a strategy to deal with this. On the last occasion, when dealing with the restoration of the Asgard, renovations at Arbour Hill and Glasnevin, the refurbishment of St. Enda’s Park and the Military Archives, there was a co-ordinated, full and generous response from the members of the consultation group. I hope those nominated on this occasion will do the same in respect of the many events that have to be commemorated in the coming years.
Cabinet Sub-Committees
Joe Higgins
Ceist:3 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Taoiseach the sub-committees of the Cabinet he has set-up; and the membership of each such sub-committee. [8289/11]
Gerry Adams
Ceist:4 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if any Cabinet sub-committees have been set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8365/11]
Micheál Martin
Ceist:5 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach the status of the Cabinet committee on economic infrastructure [10461/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 to 5, inclusive, together.
The Government has established the following Cabinet sub-committees: economic recovery and jobs, social policy, climate change and the green economy, European affairs, economic infrastructure, Irish and the Gaeltacht and public service reform. The convenors of these Cabinet sub-committees are as follows: economic recovery and jobs — the Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation; social policy — the Minister for Social Protection; climate change and the green economy — the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government; European affairs — the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade; economic infrastructure — the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport; Irish and the Gaeltacht — the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht; and public service reform — the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Government economic management council has also been established with the status of a Cabinet sub-committee. I am a member of the council, with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. For the information of Deputies, I am circulating in the Official Report a list of the Cabinet sub-committees and their membership.
|
Cabinet Committee |
Membership |
|
Economic Recovery and Jobs |
Taoiseach (Chair)Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation (Convenor)Minister for FinanceMinister for Public Expenditure and ReformMinister for Education and SkillsMinister for Social ProtectionMinister for Communications, Energy and Natural ResourcesMinister for Transport, Tourism and SportMinister for Agriculture, Food and the MarineMinister of State Perry (Small Business)Minister of State Sherlock (Research and Innovation)Minister of State Cannon (Training and Skills) |
|
Social Policy |
Taoiseach (Chair)Minister for Social Protection (Convenor)Minister for Education and SkillsMinister for Public Expenditure and ReformMinister for the Environment, Community and Local GovernmentMinister for Justice and EqualityMinister for HealthMinister for Children and Youth AffairsMinister of State Penrose (Housing and Planning)Minister of State Shortall (Primary Care)Minister of State Lynch (Disability, Equality and Mental Health) |
|
Climate Change and the Green Economy |
Taoiseach (Chair)Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government (Convenor)Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and TradeMinister for FinanceMinister for Public Expenditure and ReformMinister for Jobs, Enterprise and InnovationMinister for Communications, Energy and Natural ResourcesMinister for Transport, Tourism and SportMinister for Agriculture, Food and the MarineAttorney GeneralMinister of State O’Dowd (NewERA)Minister of State Sherlock (Research and Innovation)Minister of State Kelly (Public and Commuter Transport) |
|
European Affairs |
Taoiseach (Chair)Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (Convenor)Minister for FinanceMinister for Public Expenditure and ReformMinister for Jobs, Enterprise and InnovationMinister for Education and SkillsMinister for Communications, Energy and Natural ResourcesMinister for the Environment, Community and Local GovernmentMinister for Justice and Equality and Minister for DefenceMinister for Agriculture, Food and the MarineAttorney GeneralMinister of State Creighton (European Affairs)Minister of State O’Sullivan (Trade and Development) |
|
Economic Infrastructure |
Taoiseach (Chair)Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport (Convenor)Minister for FinanceMinister for Public Expenditure and ReformMinister for Communications, Energy and Natural ResourcesMinister for Jobs, Enterprise and InnovationMinister for the Environment, Community and Local GovernmentMinister of State Penrose (Housing and Planning)Minister of State O’Dowd (NewERA)Minister of State Kelly (Public and Commuter Transport) |
|
Irish and the Gaeltacht |
Taoiseach (Chair)Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (Convenor)Minister for Public Expenditure and ReformMinister for Education and SkillsMinister of State McGinley (Gaeltacht) |
|
Public Service Reform |
Taoiseach (Chair)Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform (Convenor)Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and TradeMinister for FinanceMinister for Education and SkillsMinister for the Environment, Community and Local GovernmentMinister for Justice and Equality and Minister for DefenceMinister for HealthMinister for Children and Youth AffairsMinister of State Hayes (Public Service Reform) |
Before inviting Deputies to ask supplementary questions, I remind them that they may not inquire about discussions at the Cabinet or its sub-committees. I call Deputy Joe Higgins.
He is speechless.
(Interruptions).
The Ceann Comhairle has left me speechless.
That is unusual for the Deputy, but that is what is stated in Standing Orders.
I know, much to the delight of the benches opposite. What exactly is the role of the sub-committees? I have not yet had the benefit of seeing the membership lists, but is there a crossover in membership of many or most of them? How often will they meet? How will they relate to the Cabinet and the Dáil and will the Taoiseach report to the Dáil on their workings?
To answer the Deputy's question, quite a number of personnel are on each of the Cabinet sub-committees, depending on the range of subjects they follow. The Deputy will receive the list when it is circulated. The issues to be discussed are not for discussion here because they carry the same level of confidentiality as Cabinet meetings, but, in general, the sub-committees will focus on individual sectors to enable more focused or concentrated discussion of particular issues by the relevant Ministers. Conclusions arrived at by the Cabinet committees are then brought before Cabinet for final approval.
When the Deputy sees the full list and the range of personnel thereon he will see that there is clearly significant representation from different Ministries, as there should be, on the Cabinet committees we have set up.
I have heard about a sub-committee related to the financial services sector. Is there any such sub-committee and, if so, is the Taoiseach involved in it? I believe the previous Government had one.
That was not a sub-committee.
I have not reconstituted any such Cabinet committee. There are seven sub-committees covering a broad range of sectors with which the Cabinet will have to look at. This is a matter that can be considered directly by the Cabinet if required. It could perhaps be dealt with under the area of public service reform or economic recovery and jobs.
Ba mhaith liom ceist a chur ar an Taoiseach faoin economic management council. It is my understanding that this council will take some of the key economic decisions that will affect citizens. How does the Dáil hold that committee to account? Will we be given reports and, if so, how often? Will we be able to ask questions about decisions of the committee? Who is on the committee apart from the membership named by the Taoiseach?
The Cabinet committee comprises the four members I have mentioned: the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, the Minister for Finance, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, and myself. Each Cabinet committee draws on particular personnel depending on the matter under discussion. The economic management council, which has met 12 times to date, deals with the main agenda of economic issues that go through for discussion and conclusion by the Cabinet in its plenary meetings. From that point of view, the decisions of the Cabinet are a matter for discussion here. These decisions become public and Members of the Oireachtas are entitled to debate them and put their views for or against as the case may be. It is a matter of streamlining the main areas of economic discussion that need to be attended to rather than having these issues deliberated upon in open session ad nauseam at Cabinet. The economic management council can bring a greater focus on these issues, after which they can go back to the Cabinet for final decision in a shorter time.
In the past, sections dealing with the public service, economics and infrastructure had an independent existence within the Department of the Taoiseach independent of servicing a Cabinet committee. I wish to clarify that this remains the case. I am concerned that the Standing Orders of the House may allow a situation to develop in which the Taoiseach would not have to answer questions about the general work of his Department under those headings. I ask the Taoiseach to confirm that he does not intend that to be the case and that the work of his Department will not be hidden behind Cabinet confidentiality.
I have raised in the Dáil on a number of occasions the fact that Ministers and spokespersons have been able to make detailed statements about the agendas of the Cabinet and its sub-committees. For example, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, briefed newspapers about the agenda of the economic infrastructure sub-committee. I ask this basic question: Why should the Dáil be limited by Cabinet confidentiality in what it can discuss while no such limit is placed on Ministers and advisers in regard to the agenda and issues to be discussed by these committees?
There is no change in the situation. As the Deputy is aware, Article 28.4.3° of the Constitution refers deliberately and specifically to Cabinet committees. For example, it states:
The confidentiality of discussions at meetings of the Government shall be respected in all circumstances save only where the High Court determines that disclosure should be made in respect of a particular matter — (i) in the interests of the administration of justice by a Court, or (ii) by virtue of an overriding public interest, pursuant to an application in that behalf by a tribunal appointed by the Government or a Minister of the Government on the authority of the Houses of the Oireachtas to inquire into a matter...
There is no change in that.
I think the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, made his comment before the committee was set up.
He spoke about the agenda and what it will do.
That is in the programme for Government.
We cannot discuss it here. That is the point I am making.
The Minister has been going to too many night clubs
Obviously, they can be referred to here only in a factual nature. We do not have to answer questions no more than the Deputy did previously about issues that were discussed at Cabinet committees. The situation is the same in so far as confidentiality is concerned.
It is not.
He has been going to too many night clubs.
On the issue of Cabinet sub-committees, has any consideration been given to setting up a sub-committee to deal with the issue of drugs and alcohol given that more than 500 deaths annually result from drug abuse alone excluding those related to alcohol abuse? That issue should be a priority for any Government, with which I am sure the Taoiseach would agree. Has he any plans to set up a sub-committee to deal with that issue?
The issue of drugs is a matter for the Government and is of serious concern to everybody around the country. We do not have a Cabinet committee dealing specifically with drugs but obviously in regard to justice, health and social policy, these issues are all quite likely to be discussed at one committee or another.
The constitutional article is as it is set out, as the Taoiseach quoted, but the reality is that Ministers and their advisers and spokespeople can talk freely about the agendas of Cabinet sub-committees but Opposition spokespeople are not in a position to discuss those in any way. That is the reality of the situation.
It is possible to table a question to the line Minister on any issue.
I accept that. I am talking about the agenda of Cabinet sub-committees. I have been told that we cannot discuss it on confidentiality grounds, yet, as we know from the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, and others, they can talk openly about it and so on. That is the reality as we see it. It is absurd and perhaps it is something we should collectively address in terms of what can and cannot be discussed. If Ministers, advisers and spokespeople can discuss it, surely Members of the Oireachtas should be in a position——
Hear, hear.
——to discuss the agenda of Cabinet sub-committees and the general direction, at least, of the issues being discussed. Regular briefings are being given about this committee and that committee as we know. Has the Taoiseach considered establishing a Cabinet sub-committee on health?
No, I did not give consideration to a specific Cabinet committee on health. The Minister for Health attends by virtue of the fact that, for instance, the committee dealing with social policy will have the Minister for Health thereon and a number of others dealing with public service reform where issues of health can be raised. We did not give consideration to a specific committee on health. The Minister is very occupied on this. In any event, as the Deputy will be well aware, to find the time to convene and chair committee meetings dealing with a broad range of issues is an adventure in itself.
State Visits
Clare Daly
Ceist:6 Deputy Clare Daly asked the Taoiseach if he will report, in detail, on the plans for President Obama’s visit to Ireland. [8324/11]
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:7 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach the issues he plans to discuss with President Obama during his visit to Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10477/11]
Micheál Martin
Ceist:8 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has had any success in including a trade and economic investment forum event in the schedule of the US President Barack Obama during his visit here. [10716/11]
Micheál Martin
Ceist:9 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if US President Barack Obama will make a public address during his visit here. [10723/11]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 9, inclusive, together.
The forthcoming visit of President Obama will be an historic occasion for Ireland and a very significant event celebrating the strong ties between the peoples of Ireland and the United States. I know he will receive a very warm welcome to our shores.
Plans for the President's visit are currently nearing finalisation. Consultation with officials in the US Embassy and the White House are ongoing and senior US officials will travel to Dublin in the coming days to agree the final details. The programme will include a meeting with President McAleese in Áras an Uactharáin and a bilateral meeting with myself. It is also expected that President Obama will pay a visit to Moneygall and that he will make a public address at an event in Dublin city.
The public address in Dublin will be part of a major entertainment event. The programme and the venue have yet to be confirmed. Entrance will be free of charge with tickets available to the general public and it will be designed as a welcome to the President and the First Lady of the US.
Organising an event on this scale will involve working closely with many public agencies as well as businesses and citizens. I appreciate that people will experience some disruption as a consequence and I want to thank everyone who will be affected both for their patience and their forbearance. This is an historic opportunity to put our capital and our people on view to a potentially huge audience around the world.
The full details of the overall programme will be finalised and announced as soon as they are available.
I expect that I will discuss a range of issues with President Obama during the course of his visit and I will emphasise how much the Irish people value our relationship and the enduring friendship with the United States. It is likely that our discussions will also cover the global economic situation and Ireland's determination to overcome the difficulties that we face. I will be stressing that we are open for business and will emphasise the many advantages to doing business here in Ireland.
The President's visit comes just after the historic visit of Queen Elizabeth. It is anticipated that up to 1,000 international media representatives will cover both visits. Taken together these visits will highlight Ireland and its people and will instil confidence and hope in a brighter future.
That is not an answer of any great detail. Given that the visit is imminent, I would have expected a little more in the Taoiseach's reply. Does the Taoiseach intend to give the House the full schedule of events when he receives them?
While he dealt a little bit with the content of some of the discussions he intends to have with the US President, Mr. Obama, he was somewhat silent on several other issues. Will he enlighten us as to whether he intends to ask if it is the US President's intention to implement initiatives for undocumented immigrants in the United States, many of whom are Irish? Does the Taoiseach intend to fight their corner?
In light of the assassination of Osama bin Laden in the past week, will the Taoiseach raise the issue of the incursion of the United States into Pakistan? Will the Taoiseach ask the President if it is US policy to act as judge, juror and executioner of those accused of such crimes or whether it would be better off to leave these matters come to trial?
I cannot give Deputy Clare Daly any more details of the plans around Mr. Obama's visit to Ireland because I do not have them. When the American President pays a visit to any country, members of his Administration travel there beforehand to discuss with the authorities the actual detail of where the President, and in the case of this visit to Ireland the First Lady, will travel.
The event to be held in Dublin city centre has not yet been agreed because the US personnel involved must look at the sites in question and give their views on the range and extent of the numbers which might turn up. Accordingly, I cannot give the Deputy the finalised detail because it has not yet been agreed.
I raised the matter of the undocumented Irish with the President and his Administration in the White House on St. Patrick's Day. As Deputy Clare Daly is aware, politics in Washington has changed with the Democratic Party in control of the US Senate while the Republican Party now has control of the House of Representatives. Accordingly, the much sought after comprehensive legislation to deal with immigration in the US will not happen in the short term.
Arising from recent events, however, a package of enforcement measures concerning homeland security in the US may have to be brought forward soon. If that were the case, the process will begin in Congress which will make a swathe through it.
The appropriate time to make an amendment to that would be some time during that process and the appropriate amendment would be, in Ireland's case, to seek access to the E3 visa system, which is a renewable visa system. This would provide some relief and release of pressure in respect of undocumented Irish people. Senator Schumer from New York will be the author of whatever documentation goes through that process.
When in New York last week, I met with the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform, which is well aware of the process by which legislation and amendments in that regard go through Congress and the Senate. In that regard, Senator Schumer is in a powerful position. He has much contact with the Irish community and as such is well aware of the extent of the problem. Given the scale of this problem in the United States, of which the Deputy is aware, the legislators are encountering difficulties in terms of putting through Bills that would give legislative effect to comprehensive reform. I met a number of undocumented Irish people, some of whom have been in the United States since before 9/11 and have a degree of difficulty. They are members of the community who pay their social security and taxes and who, in most cases, have families and businesses they look after but they are undocumented, a position not dissimilar to that of many other nationalities. Those experiencing problems range from people who recently went to the United States and have over-stayed their welcome to those who have been there for much longer periods and are also having difficulties. In that regard, the Deputy can take it the Government is focused on this issue and that on each occasion a Minister or Minister of State goes to the United States he or she will seek to build up relationships on behalf of the Government and, therefore, the people of Ireland with Democratic and Republican personnel. Whatever change has to be made will have to go through Congress and the Senate and this will require connections and discussions on a regular basis.
As regards the other global matters raised by the Deputy, while the issue is not down for specific debate the question of global terrorism has affected us here, either through direct deaths resulting from 9/11 or the consequences and impact of global terrorist activities in other parts of the world.
I call Deputy Boyd Barrett.
A Cheann Comhairle, the details——
There are four other Members who wish to ask questions. I will come back to the Deputy.
They will be published as soon as we know them.
It has been reported — the Government has not contradicted this — that the combined cost of the visits of President Obama and the Queen may run to approximately €25 million. We still cannot get a straight answer as to whether this is the case. Given those reports and the growing number of experts and commentators internationally and domestically who are saying that our economy is ruined, the constant protestations of Ministers that they have no money for anything because we are in the straitjacket of the IMF and that the much vaunted jobs budget, now a jobs initiative which will be fiscally neutral, is looking certain to be a damp squib to beat all damp squibs because we are not allowed——
The Deputy must ask a question about the President's visit.
The question is coming, a Cheann Comhairle.
It is not the only damp squib.
Given that we are not allowed to put any serious money into the economy to create jobs, would it not be better to spend that €25 million on the creation of jobs, the construction of a couple of new schools or a hospital or, perhaps, to reverse some of the cuts to special needs which are affecting the most vulnerable in our country?
The Deputy must stick to the question.
That is a question. Would it not be better to save this money——
Not the question the Deputy should be asking.
It is a question.
The question is what issues the Taoiseach plans to discuss with President Obama.
Would it not be better to save the millions being spent on these visits and spend it on things that would put people to work and provide——
We do not want a speech at Question Time. Please ask a question.
It is very clearly a question.
What question, exactly?
I said, "Would it not be better to spend the money on something more useful——
That is not a question.
I do not know why you are interrupting me, a Cheann Comhairle.
Because your question is about President Obama's visit.
Would it not be better to spend the money that will be spent on President Obama's visit on something that would provide jobs, help the vulnerable or build a couple of schools or a hospital?
Or buy Deputy Boyd Barrett a jacket.
Could the issues the Taoiseach said he would discuss with President Obama not be better discussed in a telephone call, which would be cheaper?
If the Taoiseach insists on going ahead with this visit, will he ask President Obama if he thinks it appropriate that his Treasury Secretary, Mr. Tim Geithner, interfered with the negotiations over the debt burden of this country and vetoed plans to burn bondholders? Will the Taoiseach raise that issue with President Obama?
Deputy Boyd Barrett, please resume your seat and allow the Taoiseach to answer the question, that is, the question you placed on the Order Paper.
Deputies on the other side do not want to hear these questions because they are embarrassing.
I cannot recall anyone who is as disillusioning as Deputy Boyd Barrett, whatever he says. There are bright days in Ireland and good things happen in our country. I have never heard him mention the valuable works done by communities, even in his own constituency.
He wants a straight answer to a straight question.
I want some money for those communities.
He put out a figure that is not real.
What is the figure?
I could ask Deputy Boyd Barrett if he can tell the House what he will spend on the next general election campaign, and he would not be able to answer me.
€15,000.
Protests in which Deputy Boyd Barrett has been involved, which are perfectly legitimate, have accrued costs which might have gone towards providing computers in some of the schools he mentioned.
Deputies
Hear, hear.
All funded by donations on the day.
Be that as it may, this is an opportunity for real investment. Voted money goes through the Cabinet each year for particular Departments, including the Department of Justice and Equality. It is entirely appropriate and normal when visitors with the global reach of Queen Elizabeth and the President of the United States come here that they would be properly protected. In this case, with two global personalities visiting within a short space of time, we have a brilliant opportunity to present our country and its people in the very best light, internationally. This will reap enormous returns in tourism spin-off. People in Deputy Boyd Barrett's constituency and throughout the country will benefit from overseas visitors coming here as a consequence of the visits of Queen Elizabeth and President Obama.
I thank the Taoiseach for a comprehensive reply, given the constraints under which he is working regarding the visit of the President of the United States. Would the Taoiseach agree that this is a most important and welcome visit to Ireland? We have outstanding historical relationships with the United States on the level of family and kinship, of economics and of humanitarian assistance to Africa and other parts of the world. For example, we have a joint programme with the department of the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, to improve early childhood nutrition in Africa. We have a broad range of engagement with the United States.
Would the Taoiseach agree that President Obama has proven himself to be——
Is this a question or a statement?
I did not realise Deputy Boyd Barrett had aspirations to be the Ceann Comhairle.
Deputy Boyd Barrett, you will take a walk in a minute if you are not very careful.
Would the Taoiseach agree that President Obama has been a very thoughtful and strategic leader, who has given a new status to the concept of multilateralism in the conduct of international relations that is in sharp contrast to previous United States policies? Would he agree that the visit is not just about the issues to which I have alluded? Does he agree that we should not forget that in addition to the thousands of jobs Irish people create in the United States and that United States companies create in Ireland, the United States is a very important market, which is repeatedly in the top three in terms of US citizens buying goods and services that are manufactured by Irish manufacturers as well as services produced by Irish people? In that economic context, I ask the Taoiseach to ensure, if he can, that the US-Ireland research programme which is substantial and an area to which President Obama gives high priority in his own economic renewal programme, gets due recognition during this visit, and that some facilitation of this could be organised around the visit.
I thank Deputy Martin for his comments. I agree this is a very important visit in its own right and it gives Ireland the opportunity to present itself as being a traditional friend of the United States, with many links through social, cultural, political and business activities. For example, I hope to have the opportunity to open the €300 million extension to the Coca Cola plant in Wexford before too long, Intel is spending €500 million on an expansion of its plant at Leixlip and there was the announcement yesterday of the joining of Elan and Alkermes in respect of the siting of the new Alkermes headquarters in Athlone.
I met quite a number of business and investment interests in New York last week and was enthused by their dedication and commitment to this country. Some results will come from that in the time ahead. This is a critical market for Ireland and the extent of trade, as the Deputy is aware, that crosses the Atlantic either way between Europe and the United States, including between Ireland and the United States, is very extensive.
I will ensure that there is appropriate reference to the US-Ireland research programme. I am aware of its activities over the years and know it played an important part in keeping Ireland up there in terms of awareness when times were not so good. It is an important element of the professional connection between our two countries.
With regard to the undocumented Irish, I appreciate the work the Taoiseach has done. I know he raised this issue during the St. Patrick's day visit, as I did, and I point out that this visit gives a particular opportunity to raise the issue once again.
Nuair a bhí an Taoiseach sa Teach Bán, bhí an tUachtarán Obama ag caint faoi fear gorm as na Stáit Aontaithe darbh ainm Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglass was an escaped slave, a freedom fighter and a human rights activist in the USA. During the St. Patrick's day visit event for the Taoiseach hosted by President Obama, the President spoke about Frederick Douglass, who came to Ireland in 1845 and was described as the black O'Connell of America. There are plans to unveil a statue to this activist in Cork and there is a request that President Obama would perform that ceremony. Given the Taoiseach said the final details have not been agreed, will he tell us whether this is part of the consideration?
One of the reasons this man came into such public consciousness was not just because of his life's work but because he published a book, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, which the Taoiseach may be interested to know will be republished and launched this Thursday in Glasnevin Cemetery museum.
As I understand it, President Obama will not visit Cork on this occasion. I am aware of his interest in Frederick Douglass and of Mr. Douglass's life and times. I had the opportunity when I was at the White House to present to President Obama a book in respect of Daniel O'Connell detailing references to Frederick Douglass. In fact, President Obama referred to people from Ireland who had received Congressional medals of honour for various deeds of valour, including one John King from Ballinrobe, a bust of whom was unveiled by Senator Chris Dodd last year.
With regard to the life and times of Frederick Douglass, I made the point to White House staff and to President Obama that the waters that divide us as countries were those that brought the Africans to the United States for slavery purposes and the Irish to that country for freedom. On St. Patrick's Day, remembering St. Patrick, too, was a slave, President Obama showed he fully understood the history his own people endured. He might have liked to have been able to go to University College Cork on this occasion but his schedule does not permit it. One hopes in the years ahead there will be other opportunities for the President to return to Ireland.
That concludes Questions to the Taoiseach.
On a point of order——
Concerning pension subsidies——
That concludes Questions to the Taoiseach.
Some of us have had our hands up for about 15 minutes.
Excuse me——
On a point of order, a Cheann Comhairle——
What is your point of order?
I wish to ask about the difference in standards applied——
That is not a point of order.
It is a point of order.
You are not entitled to question the Chair. Will you please resume your seat?
On what basis——
Please resume your seat.
A Cheann Comhairle——
You are questioning the Chair.
I want an explanation as to——
You will not get any explanation from me.
——how a question submitted on the Order Paper can be——
I reiterate you will not get any explanation. Please resume your seat or I will ask you to leave the Chamber.
That is an abuse of your core position.
I beg your pardon. You had better withdraw that remark or else leave the Chamber.
Leave the Chamber, Deputy, please.
A Deputy
He is only looking for publicity.
A Deputy
He is looking for attention.
The Ceann Comhairle never has anything constructive to say.
Take 100 lines as well.
Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett withdrew from the Chamber.