Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 16 Jun 2016

Vol. 913 No. 3

Order of Business

The Tánaiste

It is proposed to take No. 14b, motion re establishment of select committees; No. 14c, motion re Standing Orders 81, 84, 84A, 85, 95, 97A, 114 and 186; No. 14d, motion re report of Committee of Selection and Appointment of Chairs; No. 14e, presentation and circulation of Revised Estimates 2016; and No. 14a, Revised Estimates for Public Services 2016 - Votes 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 37, 38 and 41 (resumed).

It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that the Dáil shall sit later than 5.48 p.m. and shall adjourn on the conclusion of Topical Issues; Nos. 14b, 14c, 14d and 14e shall be decided without debate and any division demanded thereon shall be taken forthwith; and the debate in respect of Vote 38 shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion at 3.15 p.m. followed immediately by the weekly division time.

An Ceann Comhairle

There are three proposals to put to the House. Is the proposal for dealing with the late sitting agreed to? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 14b, 14c, 14d and 14e agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Vote 38 agreed to? Agreed.

Deputy Dara Calleary

Today marks the first anniversary of the appalling tragedy in Berkeley, California last year where we lost six of our brightest J1 students while several others were seriously injured. It is appropriate that we again send our sympathies to the families of those who passed away and those who were injured on this most difficult of days. Our thoughts are with them today.

I wish to raise two issues. This day next week, the Brexit referendum will take place. Has the Government prepared a legislative response in the event of the people of the United Kingdom voting to leave the EU? How many legislative instruments will be affected? When will that kick in?

Second, in the context of the health Estimates, which will be discussed later, the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Finian McGrath, who made a brief appearance in the Chamber but who has left again, announced €31 million in additional funding for disability services on the plinth last week. However, this morning the St. John of God order has had to withdraw services for teenagers with intellectual disabilities who are attached to St. Augustine's school in Blackrock because it does not have enough funding.

A vocational training programme will be withdrawn in the course of the next two years, while a life skills programme is being withdrawn with immediate effect. The teenagers who have participated in this programme have had huge success over many years. The programme has given huge comfort to families and very important life skills to those who have participated in it. In the context of the additional €31 million in new money that will be provided, will the Tánaiste explain why what has been proposed is happening today?

The Tánaiste

I join the Deputy in again expressing our sympathy to the families who so tragically lost loved ones on this day last year.

To reply to the Deputy's question about St. Augustine's special school, it was the subject of a Topical Issue discussed in the Dáil, I believe, only two days ago. The Minister of State, Deputy Finian McGrath, is examining the matter. European funds were in place for the initiatives being undertaken at St. Augustine's special school. The Minister of State is meeting the parents and other relevant individuals to explore what action can be taken to ensure the continuation of the services provided.

On the Brexit debate, our focus at this point is very much on Ministers who have travelled to the United Kingdom, including the North. Opposition leaders have also done so. We are focusing very much on Ireland's interests and how much they would be served by the United Kingdom remaining within the European Union. The Minister, Deputy Simon Coveney, will be in Belfast tomorrow. As the Deputy knows, the Taoiseach has several visits planned today. It is absolutely in Ireland's economic interests that there be a "Yes" vote to remain in the European Union.

Deputy Mary Lou McDonald

I also join in extending condolences to and expressing ongoing solidarity with the families of the Berkeley victims and their wider circles.

I want to ask the Tánaiste about the consolidated domestic violence legislation. Yesterday she participated in the launch of the report of Women's Aid which set out the latest round of absolutely horrifying statistics. She and I both know that this is not about statistics; it is about real people and real lives. Therefore, it is a source of great concern that the legislation has been stalled for so long. It is listed in the legislative programme under the heading of "All Other Legislation". It has been noted that the outcome of the pre-legislative scrutiny was reported on in September 2015. Will the Tánaiste tell us when we will deal with the legislation and get it onto the Statute Book?

The Tánaiste will be aware of this issue, not least because she has been talking to people within the community of the north inner city about it. It concerns the illegal trading of prescription drugs. It is welcome that it is the intention to legislate in that regard, but may we have a timetable as to when we will deal with it? I would like to think we will deal with the matter before the House rises for the summer.

As the Tánaiste will be relieved to hear, we say to the Government that, in the event of a Brexit, the issue for us is not simply about trade with the neighbouring island; the more immediate concern is that the country remains partitioned. I appeal to the Government should a Brexit happen that time and consideration be given and collaboration pursued to develop an understanding of the implications for a country that suffers, economically and socially, because of partition.

An Ceann Comhairle

Notwithstanding the validity of the points the Deputy and others have made about Brexit, it is not an appropriate matter to raise on the Order of Business.

Deputy Mary Lou McDonald

I have done it now.

The Tánaiste

As the Deputy said, the report by Women's Aid published yesterday detailed horrific instances of domestic violence and abuse, thousands of cases of women who had reported to that organisation the most horrendous abuse experienced by them.

It is a very sad and disturbing report, which shows what the Taoiseach noted yesterday is often a hidden Ireland. Thankfully, more and more women are coming forward to get the kinds of supports that they need. In reply to the Deputy's question, I am the Minister who signed the Istanbul Convention last year and who is going to ensure that we ratify it as soon as certain Bills come through and some other work is done. The domestic violence legislation is a consolidated Bill and a huge amount of work has been done on it. That work continues and I will be in a position to publish it early next term.

The prescribed drugs legislation has been fast-tracked by the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, and has gone to Cabinet. It will be published next Tuesday. In that regard, we would like to thank all of the Opposition spokespeople who have been involved in supporting the development of that legislation. I hope they can ensure its speedy passage through the House before the summer recess. It is very important, not just in terms of the north inner city where it certainly impacts, but throughout Ireland where dealing in prescription drugs needs to be stopped. This legislation will support An Garda Síochána.

I take the points that were made on Brexit. The whole situation in regard to Northern Ireland is key for our hope that the vote is "Yes", but it is, of course, a matter for the voters in England.

Deputy Joan Burton

I join colleagues in saying that the families of those bereaved by what happened in Berkeley a year ago are in our thoughts and prayers today. Many of those who were injured are on a long road to recovery and I hope they make as full a recovery as possible.

There were reports in the media yesterday that child benefit would no longer automatically be paid to mothers under proposals which are being examined by the Minister for Social Protection. Is it true that the Government proposes to muck around with the payment of child benefit? Since 1974 and the introduction of payment to mothers by one of my predecessors, Frank Cluskey, child benefit has served this country and women and children in particular very well. Is this going to be part of the forthcoming paternity legislation or is it proposed for the social welfare Bill? There is a well known idea that if something is not broken, one should not fix it.

Deputy Robert Troy

The Deputy did not take heed of that on the one-parent family allowance.

Deputy Joan Burton

Women in Ireland would be outraged if the payment on a monthly basis of child benefit in respect of children were changed. I would be horrified if Fianna Fáil were to support this proposal, which would be very damaging to families.

Deputy Dara Calleary

Considering the Deputy cut child benefit.

Deputy Robert Troy

The Deputy decimated one-parent family payment when she was Minister.

Deputy Dara Calleary

Like Rapunzel in the tower.

Deputy Joan Burton

Will the Tánaiste reassure the House that the reports in the newspapers yesterday were wrong?

An Ceann Comhairle

Thank you, Deputy Burton, your question is clear.

Deputy Joan Burton

My second question is on the education Estimate which was published yesterday and debated last night. As in the budget last year, the Estimate includes funding of €2 million which is set aside for the technological universities. It is now 126 days since any legislation was passed by Dáil Éireann. What has happened to the Technological Universities Bill?

An Ceann Comhairle

We cannot have a debate on the matter.

Deputy Joan Burton

The technological institutes and colleges in Ireland are major drivers of education and investment and business development.

An Ceann Comhairle

Thank you, Deputy Burton.

Deputy Joan Burton

Can the Tánaiste say when it is proposed to reintroduce the Technological Universities Bill? Are major changes proposed under the programme for Government?

An Ceann Comhairle

We cannot get into the detail of the Bill. There are two questions.

The Tánaiste

There are no proposals on the table to change the way child benefit is paid. What is on the table is the paternity leave legislation of which Deputy Burton is a very strong supporter. I am very keen to see that paid in September. It went through Cabinet this week and will be debated in the Dáil as soon as time allows.

With the co-operation of everyone, it should pass through the Dáil-----

Deputy Joan Burton

Was yesterday's report in the media wrong?

An Ceann Comhairle

We cannot start discussing-----

Deputy Willie O'Dea

It is a serious matter, but Deputy Burton is suddenly worried.

Deputy Eugene Murphy

Where was she for the past five years?

The Tánaiste

I agree with Deputy Burton that the-----

Deputy Simon Harris

This is like "What is in the newspapers or on Morning Ireland?"

An Ceann Comhairle

We are not discussing newspaper reports.

The Tánaiste

All right.

Deputy Joan Burton

This concerns future legislation.

An Ceann Comhairle

We are not discussing newspaper reports. We are on the Order of Business.

Deputy Joan Burton

It is important to women in Ireland.

The Tánaiste

There is no legislation planned such as Deputy Burton has outlined. The other Bill that she asked about is on the Order Paper and is awaiting Committee Stage. I believe that the Deputy heard the Minister, Deputy Bruton, speaking in the Chamber on this matter last week in terms of reviewing certain issues that had arisen. At present, it is on the Order Paper and awaiting Committee Stage.

Deputy Mick Barry

Condolences to the friends and families of the Berkeley victims.

I have two questions for the Tánaiste. The Government did not listen on the issue of water charges. Working class people, through the protest campaign, made it listen. The Government would be well advised to listen to the growing anger on the issue of bin charges. If it does not, working class people will again make it listen.

An Ceann Comhairle

A question, Deputy, not statements.

Deputy Mick Barry

Given the derisive response of people via text and Twitter in the past 30 minutes to the plan to send the Minister, Deputy Coveney, to meet the bin companies next week and the feeling that this is not good enough and is a shambles, I will give the Tánaiste another opportunity to answer the question of whether she is prepared to reverse before the weekend the legislation that opened the door to this situation. Is she prepared to reverse the privatisation of bin services and introduce legislation that takes control of this crucial industry away from profiteers?

The Tánaiste

I have already made it clear that the Minister is working on this issue right now. Part of his response will be meeting the companies. I have said very clearly that he will take action to deal with this issue, which is causing concern. If the spirit of the legislation is being abused or if the companies seek to exploit the situation by increasing charges when the intention behind the legislation was to reduce them for families, action will be taken.

An Ceann Comhairle

I call Deputy Broughan.

Deputy Mick Barry

There was a second question, a Cheann Comhairle.

An Ceann Comhairle

What was it on?

Deputy Simon Harris

Nationalising the bin companies.

Deputy Mick Barry

Is the Tánaiste prepared to introduce legislation to reverse the privatisation, which has put these profiteers in charge of the industry?

The Tánaiste

That does not arise. We have a situation-----

An Ceann Comhairle

It does not arise. I thank the Tánaiste.

Deputy Thomas P. Broughan

I would like to be associated with the expressions of sympathy to the Berkeley disaster families and victims.

Regarding the Road Traffic Bill, has the Tánaiste received a report from the Garda Síochána about the withdrawal of prosecutions of fixed-charge notices in respect of the NCT? Will she bring the report to the House, given that this is the latest in a series of penalty point messes? Do the withdrawals also relate to other penalty point offences, how many are there and when will she report to the House?

The Tánaiste

I have initial details in respect of that issue. The Garda has started an urgent examination of how many cases are involved. In the first instance, every one of those individuals who are involved broke the law. Clearly, inappropriate action was taken. People had paid a fine and subsequently received summonses. Clearly, this issue must be dealt with. I will put as much information as I possibly can before the House. I do not have any information at present on whether this situation arose in terms of any criminal charge other than the one that the Deputy has mentioned.

However, it is important that confidence be maintained in the penalty points approach. I am very concerned about what happened. It was an administrative, procedural error. Thankfully, it has now been realised that this was happening. Action will be taken to deal with the matter where points have been added to people's licences inappropriately.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

I wish to refer to two items of legislation, the first of which is the EirGrid Bill. Communities in my area in the south east are very concerned about overhead pylons and they want to know when there will be legislation.

We passed a referendum recently on children's rights, and we also passed the Children First Bill. I have been inundated with calls from around the country from people who are concerned about the behaviour of Tusla. They are only allegations. I ask that the Minister for Children deal with this and conduct a review. In years to come it will be too late if this is not addressed. There are huge tribunals and investigations, and there are many concerns about the way Tusla-----

An Ceann Comhairle

Perhaps the Deputy will have a discussion with the Minister.

Deputy Mattie McGrath

I will, indeed. I refer to the behaviour of Tusla in respect of certain families.

An Ceann Comhairle

We are very tight on time.

The Tánaiste

Preliminary work is being done in the Department on the EirGrid legislation.

Tusla is doing very important work. If the Deputy has any particular concerns in regard to it, he should feel free to correspond with the appropriate Minister. He did oppose the referendum on children-----

Deputy Mattie McGrath

I did, and maybe I had good reason.

The Tánaiste

Very important powers have been given to Tusla to protect children as a result of that referendum.

An Ceann Comhairle

I want to bring in three remaining Deputies who have been offering all week, the first being Deputy David Cullinane.

Deputy David Cullinane

The programme for Government commits to a public sector pay commission, to be established in due course. One of the sorest points for public sector workers concerns the treatment of the post-2011 new entrants. We have a two-tier parallel pay structure in place.

An Ceann Comhairle

Has the Deputy a question?

Deputy David Cullinane

Will that be a priority for the Government?

The Tánaiste

On the first point the Deputy made, the Minister informs me that, in the first instance, he is consulting the relevant stakeholders on the Lansdowne Road agreement. The arrangement is being set up at present and it will be concluded very shortly. Afterwards, the Minister will be in a position to move forward.

On the second point the Deputy raised, the matter could be considered. There will be discussions on that.

Deputy Bernard J. Durkan

The criminal justice Bill and the criminal justice (suspended sentences of imprisonment) Bill are both promised and listed as being scheduled for pre-legislative scrutiny at a date yet to be determined. Has the date been finally fixed? Is it expected that both Bills will be in place before the recess or soon afterwards?

The Tánaiste

Both Bills will be going to Cabinet on Tuesday. We will be deciding then on the exact process to be followed.

Deputy Robert Troy

On the health Estimates to be taken later today, I understand the contract of the sole sarcoma cancer specialist in Ireland, based in St. Vincent's hospital, is not being renewed at the end of this month. That will have serious consequences for patients who rely on her expertise. Why is the Government allowing this? Perhaps the Tánaiste can make a statement on this now.

An Ceann Comhairle

That sounds like a matter for the Topical Issue Debate.

The Tánaiste

The Deputy is referring to an individual contract. It would not be a good precedent to have a discussion on that. Of course, the Minister will be happy to discuss that issue with the Deputy. The decision is one that is being taken by a particular hospital. There will obviously be an opportunity to discuss these issues in the broadest sense during the debate on the health Estimates today.

An Ceann Comhairle

That concludes the Order of Business. I thank everyone for their co-operation.