Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 23 Jun 2015

Vol. 883 No. 3

Order of Business

The Taoiseach

It is proposed to take No. 11, motion re referral to joint committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the Educational Research Centre (Establishment) Order 2015; No. 12, motion re employment Equality (Amendment) Bill 2015; No. 34, statements on the European Council meeting of 25-26 June; and No. 1, National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Bill 2015 [Seanad] - Second Stage.

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that Nos. 11 and 12 shall be decided without debate; No. 34 shall be taken immediately following the Order of Business and the proceedings thereon shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 65 minutes and the following arrangements shall apply: the statements made by the Taoiseach and by the main spokespersons for Fianna Fáil, Sinn Féin and the Technical Group, who shall be called upon in that order and who may share time, shall not exceed 15 minutes in each case; a Minister or Minister of State shall be called upon to make a statement in reply which shall not exceed five minutes; and the order shall resume with Topical Issues. Private Members' business shall be No. 198, motion re credit unions.

Tomorrow's business after Oral Questions shall be No. 35, Communications Regulation (Postal Services) (Amendment) Bill 2015 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; No. 1, National Minimum Wage (Low Pay Commission) Bill 2015, back from the Seanad - Second Stage; No. 2, Criminal Justice (Mutual Assistance) (Amendment) Bill 2014 [Seanad] - Second Stage; and No. 36, Children (Amendment) Bill 2015 [Seanad] - Second Stage (Resumed).

An Ceann Comhairle

There are two proposals to be put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 11, motion re referral to joint committee of the Educational Research Centre (Establishment) Order 2015, and No. 12, motion re Employment Equality (Amendment) Bill 2015, without debate, agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with No. 34, statements on pre-European Council meeting of 25-26 June, agreed? Agreed.

Deputy Micheál Martin

Will the Taoiseach confirm that the Government will suspend the revaluation of properties for local property tax until, at least, 2020, so that many thousands of families will not face a local property tax bill bombshell next year? There is huge concern out there in terms of the revaluation that is taking place. Media reports demonstrate a growing awareness of the problem across the country. People are beginning to realise they could face crippling property tax bills as house prices have increased dramatically. Dublin based families and urban based families will be particularly hard hit. Perhaps the Taoiseach will indicate when legislation will come forward? The design of the property tax regime was flawed from day one. The link to property prices makes little sense and it takes absolutely no account of people's ability to pay. There is much hardship involved here and I would appreciate clarity in respect of the Government's legislative programme on this issue.

I refer to the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, reports today from ALONE and the programme for Government, page six of which states that investment in the supply of more and better care for older people in the community and in residential settings will be a priority of the Government, that additional funding will be provided each year for the care of older people and that funding will go to more residential places, more home care packages and the delivery of home help and other professional community care services. It also refers to the review of the fair deal scheme with a view to developing a secure and equitable system of financing for community and long-term care. None of that has happened. I do not think the review of the fair deal scheme has been published. ALONE and Age Action say that older people are extremely disappointed at not getting the supports they need to allow them stay in their own homes. According to ALONE, about one third of older people who live in nursing homes would be able to live in their own homes if properly supported. At the core of ALONE's proposals is a commitment to introduce a social contract for the elderly, whereby the over 65s could continue to live in their own homes, if possible. Will the Taoiseach indicate, albeit he has only about six months left in this Government-----

The Taoiseach

Is it six months?

Deputy Micheál Martin

One more budget, to all intents and purposes. The bottom line is that he did not provide additional funding to older people but actually cut it back savagely. He did not provide additional supply and better care for older people in the community and in residential settings. He has not, to my knowledge, published the fair deal review. We had the appalling situation last year where people had to wait 15 weeks. When are we going to get some action on the programme for Government in respect of the elderly? What is the Taoiseach's position on the comments of Age Action and ALONE?

The Taoiseach

I have no intention of changing the legislation in respect of the periods of Government, which are five years. The Constitution provides for seven years, in a real emergency. The Deputy can rest easy. I have no intention of changing the legislation.

Deputy Micheál Martin

On property tax.

The Taoiseach

In respect of property tax, I am glad there has been an increase in property prices which takes many people locked in negative equity for a number of years out of that particular trap. There will be no change in the design of the valuation of properties until 2017. The Minister for Finance is conscious of the increase in property prices and has asked Dr. Don Thornhill who did extensive work on the drafting of the property valuations in the first place to present a report to him. That report is in the process of being finalised. There will be ample opportunity for the Government to consider the best options open to it. There will be no change in the property valuations until 2017. The Minister for Finance expects to have the Thornhill report soon.

We referred earlier to the fair deal scheme and the extra moneys that were allocated. The waiting period is down from 11 weeks to four weeks. The Minister has received that report and is considering it. Obviously, it will be published in due course.

Deputy Micheál Martin

The Minister is saying that for six months.

The Taoiseach

I have referred to the situation in so far as the elderly are concerned, home care packages and opportunities for people to stay in their own homes as long as that is practicable. Obviously, the Minister will answer questions on this particular issue on a number of occasions.

Deputy Gerry Adams

Tá dhá cheist agam. One is about the marriage equality Bill and the other is about the Good Friday Agreement and the programme for Government commitment to the free implementation of that agreement. The Taoiseach will recall that last week I raised the issue of collusion and urged him to hold a debate on this important issue. He said he might divide the time for a debate on the North to include a debate on the Ballymurphy motion. He will recall that the Ballymurphy families are seeking a distinct and dedicated debate on the Ballymurphy massacre. They have told the Taoiseach and the Government that is their preference. They recalled to me that the Taoiseach gave them a commitment when he met them in Ballymurphy in March that they would have their own debate. There is also a need for a separate debate on collusion as that is a hugely important issue in its right. I note the Taoiseach raised the issue with the British Prime Minister last week.

Most immediately, we have a building crisis in the political institutions in the North. Yesterday's decision by Sinn Féin to give conditional support for the budget (no. 2) Bill gives some space to implement the Stormont House Agreement. That is an opportunity which should not be squandered. The Government as a co-equal guarantor has a crucial role to ensure this. I note the Minister for Foreign Affairs acknowledged the crisis facing the institutions if outstanding issues are not resolved. I ask the Taoiseach to give us some indication as to whether the debates I have outlined will be accommodated as soon as possible?

In regard to the marriage equality Bill, it is five weeks since that historic vote which saw citizens vote for marriage equality in overwhelming numbers. It was a hugely compassionate decision in favour of equality. We were told it would be enacted by the end of July. The Bill has not been published.

The Bills Office said yesterday it did not expect it any time soon. Why is it taking so long to draft a Bill on the referendum result, given that we have only four weeks before the Dáil rises? Can the Taoiseach provide some certainty about the publication of the Bill and the timetable required to get it through the Dáil and Seanad?

The Taoiseach

The Dáil debate on Northern Ireland and Ballymurphy will take place, in whichever form is most appropriate, before the House rises. I give the Deputy that guarantee.

Everybody was pleased with the outcome of the referendum on marriage equality. The Bill cannot be published until the court makes its decision. It is before the court. If it was not before the court we would have the Bill before the House to deal with and have it enacted before the summer recess. I cannot comment on how long that will take. I hope there is a speedy and clear outcome.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

I implore the Taoiseach with regard to the health reform Bill, the number of people awaiting cataract operations on their eyes-----

An Ceann Comhairle

For God’s sake, Deputy.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

Surely be to God, in the health reform Bill we should allow for a situation where people who need these operations will be dealt with and will not have to wait two and three years.

An Ceann Comhairle

Maybe the Deputy would put down a parliamentary question or a topical issue. The Deputy cannot do this on the Order of Business every day.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

It is under the health reform Bill.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

It is parish pump politics. It is not for this Chamber.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

The Government has made promises and I know the Ceann Comhairle respects promises.

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy can put down a topical issue.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

I am talking about people who are going blind in hospital and waiting at home to have cataract operations to be carried out.

An Ceann Comhairle

That is not for the Order of Business. There is a time limit. I thank the Deputy.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

This is a serious issue and I would like the Taoiseach to address it.

The Taoiseach

I do not have a date for that Bill. The issue of the operations is a different matter.

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae

What about the people waiting for cataract operations?

Deputy Frank Feighan

When will the apprenticeship Bill come before the House?

The Taoiseach

The Minister for Education and Skills had consultations on this and received quite a lot of observations, I think 90 in all. Those analysed proposals will come before the Cabinet before it rises for the summer.

Deputy James Bannon

Scrap and precious metal thieves are roaming around the countryside. We heard the comments of the former president of the Irish Farmers Association, IFA, last week on who will be catching them if action is not taken shortly.

An Ceann Comhairle

I did not hear them but what Bill is the Deputy talking about?

Deputy James Bannon

A Private Members' Bill was brought in last year. Is there any legislation pending in this area?

The Taoiseach

No. Deputy Mattie McGrath raised this on several occasions. I do not have a date for publication of the Bill.

An Ceann Comhairle

How is Deputy Mattie McGrath’s scrap metal Bill?

A Deputy

The Taoiseach is sitting on it like he sits on everything else.

The Taoiseach

We might say it is rattling on.

Deputy Gerald Nash

Deputy Mattie McGrath is sitting on it and talking out of it as well.

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

The Garda Síochána (Malicious Injuries Compensation) Bill 2012 has been promised for some time. In view of the fact that gardaí risk life and limb and have suffered many injuries in the course of their duty and sometimes when off duty, to what extent, if any, is the Bill being ushered quickly forward to bring it before the House as soon as possible?

Have the heads of the environment liability Bill 2008, giving effect to the Environmental Liability Directive, which will have wide implications for this country, been cleared and when is it likely to come before the House?

The Taoiseach

The heads of those two Bills were brought before Cabinet, the Garda Síochána (Malicious Injuries Compensation) Bill in 2012 and is expected to be published in the second half of this year. The heads of the environmental liability Bill 2008 were cleared some time ago but I cannot give the Deputy a date for publication yet.

Deputy Dessie Ellis

Are there any plans to include in forthcoming legislation the Irish Aviation Authority safety measures on short-haul flights Bill, which will include the compulsory carrying of a defibrillator? Long-haul flights carry them but short-haul ones do not. There was a tragedy recently between here and Spain where a defibrillator was required.

The Taoiseach

There is quite a deal of consultation going on about that. The heads have not been cleared yet and therefore I cannot give Deputy Ellis a date for publication but I will ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to update him on its current state of preparation.

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Across the country tens of thousands of young people are completing their Central Applications Office, CAO, forms. What is happening to the higher education Bill that has been promised?

We know there is a crisis in the apprenticeship area, notwithstanding the consultations the Minister for Education and Skills has engaged in. Can the Taoiseach give the House an undertaking that the apprenticeship Bill will see the light of day before this Government ceases its term of office?

The Taoiseach

I want that to happen.

Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Can the Taoiseach not get what he wants?

The Taoiseach

This is an important issue. The Government has given substantial backing to SOLAS, the Further Education and Training Authority. The Minister of State for Education and Skills is working very diligently on this. He has taken into account all of the 90 public consultation propositions. It is critical to provide new opportunities for apprenticeships and new ways for young people. I want the Deputy to understand that this is a priority I want to see happen. I am very anxious that it be drafted and approved as quickly as possible.

The heads of the higher education Bill are being drafted and it should be published in the latter part of the year.

Deputy Tony McLoughlin

On Tuesday last and this afternoon I attended meetings of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Environment, Culture and the Gaeltacht where discussions took place on the establishment of an electoral commission and it was quite worrying to hear about the many issues in our current system, particularly the registration process. The Taoiseach might be aware I raised similar issues here after last year’s local elections, where there were some problems with the supplementary register process in County Leitrim. When will the electoral commission Bill be published and brought before the House for debate? It is something this country needs.

The Taoiseach

The consultation paper is before the committee. That is why Deputies are entitled to give their views on it. Following that analysis the Bill will be drafted. It is an important issue.

Deputy Joe Carey

I want to inquire about No. 116 on the Order Paper, the Family Court Bill and No. 117, the family law Bill.

The Taoiseach

A deal of work has been done on both of these Bills but I cannot give a date for their publication. I will ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to update the Deputy on their state of preparation.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

Under the Health (General Practitioners Service) Bill 2014 regarding doctors and the free GP care for children under six, only three GPs in South Tipperary have signed up to this scheme. Does the Taoiseach have a plan B to deal with this situation?

An Ceann Comhairle

Plan B is to ask by way of a parliamentary question.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

In Tipperary primary health care they are good people and want to look after their patients but they are being forced, coerced and bullied and the Minister for Health took to tweeting 20 of them at the weekend to cop on. Is this good language for a Minister?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Bill has gone for signature by the President.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

That does not matter.

I have another item about the tweeting system.

An Ceann Comhairle

What tweeting system?

Deputy Mattie McGrath

The Minister of State at the Department of Justice and Equality, Deputy Ó Ríordáin, today sent a terribly insulting tweet to people who happen to be pro-life.

An Ceann Comhairle

We do not deal with tweets on the Order of Business.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

The Taoiseach will have to deal with them because the Order of Business will soon be done by tweet and Government business will be done by tweet. It is outrageous.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

I have bound him to the peace.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

Will the Taoiseach rein in his Ministers?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy should settle down.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

I have bound him to the peace.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

Is it going to be Government by tweet?

An Ceann Comhairle

The Deputy is not as young as he used to be. He should not be driving up his blood pressure.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

Government by twits would be more like it.

An Ceann Comhairle

We will not deal with tweets now.

Deputy Paul Kehoe

I have bound him to the peace.

Deputy Robert Troy

When will all the elements of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act 2004 be enacted to ensure that it will be compulsory for all early years settings to facilitate children with special educational needs?

The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 was passed by the Houses of the Oireachtas almost two years ago but it has yet to be commenced. Can the Taoiseach indicate when it will be commenced?

The legislation on aftercare has not yet been published, while the Children First Bill has only reached Committee Stage. Despite the Government's promise to complete the legislation when it assumed office four and a half years ago, we are still awaiting a timeframe for debating and improving this much watered-down Bill.

The Taoiseach

I remember asking questions many years ago about elements of the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs Act which had not yet been commenced. I will revert to Deputy Troy on the matter.

In respect of the vetting legislation, some of the relevant measures are being incorporated in the spent convictions Bill, which is being prepared. I will advise Deputy Troy later of the current state of progress with the Bill.

Deputy Robert Troy

What is the position with regard to the after care legislation and Children First Bill?

The Taoiseach

The Children First Bill is still going through the House and is on Report Stage.