The proposed Order of Business is No. 2, Statute Law (Restatement) Bill, 2000 – Order for Second Stage and Second Stage, and also Committee Stage if that is agreeable. It is not proposed to take Report Stage. It is also proposed to take No. 3, Harbours (Amendment) Bill, 2000 – Committee and Remaining Stages. In respect of No. 2, the contributions of speakers shall not exceed 15 minutes.
Order of Business.
I thank the Leader for the arrangement regarding No. 2 and for the fact that Report Stage will not be taken today. There may be some changes to this Bill. It is a short Bill and it is quite appropriate to take Committee Stage but not all Stages.
I ask your advice, Sir, with regard to the Harbours (Amendment) Bill, 2000. Some people believe that this may be a hybrid Bill and may not have been properly taken the last day. You have ruled to the contrary and I accept your ruling completely in the matter. However, my understanding is that this is likely to be challenged further and may ultimately be dealt with in the courts. Because of the danger of the legislation ending up in the courts, it is important to place on the record of the House the question which has been raised as to whether the Bill is a hybrid Bill and can properly proceed to Commit tee Stage today. You have ruled, Sir, and I accept your ruling. I simply wish to make the matter clear.
I did not rule. I have jursidiction to refer a Bill to the examiner but a Bill can only be referred to the examiner of Private Bills once the Order for Second Stage has been made. The Order for the taking of Second Stage of the Harbours (Amendment) Bill, 2000, was moved by Senator John Cregan on Tuesday, 13 June, and agreed to by the House before the commencement of Second Stage. It is to this Order that Standing Order 60 of the Dáil and Seanad relative to private business refers when it states:
Where a public Bill is ordered to be read a Second time in the Dáil [or Seanad] on a day appointed. . .
There appears to be some confusion between the making of the Order for the taking of Second Stage and the substantive motion that the Bill be now read a Second Time. I hope this clarifies the matter. I did not refer the Bill to the examiner because the matter was not raised at the opportune time.
I accept your ruling, Sir. However, I advise the House that the ruling will probably be challenged on the grounds that the objection could have been made at any point during Second Stage. I leave the matter there and I thank you for your clarification.
Senator Manning and I rarely disagree but I fully support the view that the Ballylongford and Foynes Shannon Estuary Bill should be enacted as quickly as possible for the good of north Kerry and west Limerick. I am sure there will be much support for that. For the third consecutive day, I am grievously disappointed that the Deputy Leader did not use the opportunity to show that his party thinks separately from Government.
I am sorry that we are not welcoming somebody new to this side of the House this morning. We had roses under the desks here.
Did we?
I have asked for the past three days that the issue of inflation be debated as a matter of urgency in the House. I regret that the Government is running away from this issue.
Hear, hear.
I regret that the Minister for Finance said last night that he is not prepared to take any particular action. The Government should examine this. I appeal to my friends on the far side of the House to consider even a single issue, the problem of the price of drink as it impacts on inflation to 1.2%. The difference between London and inner Dublin is that in London, there are ads and posters outside the pubs trying to per suade people to come in. In Dublin, guys in monkey suits are trying to keep people out. That is what is wrong with the market.
I cannot allow Senator O'Toole to go into detail on these matters on the Order of Business.
I accept that, a Chathaoirleach, but I ask the Deputy Leader for an answer. He gave us partial commitments and strung us along. We welcome movement from the Deputy Leader of the House. This is crucially important and needs to be discussed. The fabric of social partnership is about to implode. It is being eroded while the wages of workers, in the public service or private sector, are being eroded by inflation. Something had better be done about it.
Senator O'Toole has made his point. I cannot allow such detail on the Order of Business.
I accept that I crossed the line on that one. Before I conclude, I heartily welcome Senator Helen Keogh to this side of the House. We will present her with the bouquet afterwards. We wish her well and hope that now she has reshaped her political objectives, we can look forward to dealing with her.
I am glad that the Senator knows which side he is on.
I thought he was independent.
I propose an amendment to the Order of Business that this item on inflation be taken.
I also welcome Senator Helen Keogh to this side of the House. The Labour Party is the one which provides the bouquet of roses. She is welcome to come along in this direction as well.
I am disappointed the Cathaoirleach found he had to rule out the matter I was proposing on the Adjournment. All I asked was that the Tánaiste should make every effort to resolve the problem of trade union recognition in this case.
I cannot discuss my ruling with the Senator on the Order of Business but he is more than welcome to come to my office and I will explain the reasons for my ruling to him then as a matter of courtesy.
That is very kind of the Cathaoirleach and I am sure he will explain and reiterate them. I raise the matter on the Order of Business and ask for a debate on the issue of multinationals operating in this country which engage in different industrial relations practices from those in their home countries where they have trade union recognition. They deny it to workers in this country and in other European countries.
Senator Costello must not subvert my ruling by getting into these details on the Order of Business.
I was merely explaining very briefly the need for a debate and the anomaly that exists. I thank the Cathaoirleach.
I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator O'Toole. We do not have any firm date for a debate with either the Minister for Finance, the Taoiseach or the Tánaiste, as requested very strongly in the House yesterday. Has the Deputy Leader had any success in the past 24 hours in getting the Minister for Finance to agree to a debate? The Minister is prepared to meet Congress but is he prepared to meet this House? He will be able to find time to do that but he does not seem to be able to find time to address this House and explain his position on inflation which is totally out of line. He was advised by the Members here on numerous occasions. He simply castigated us but now we find that he is the one who has made the mistake.
I congratulate the European Commissioner, David Byrne, on his victory over the tobacco industry.
Belated recognition.
When recognition is due it will be given. I am delighted to offer my congratulations to the Commissioner and I ask the Leader of the House if our Minister for Health and Children will act in accordance with the decision taken by the MEPs in Europe and if tough measures will be introduced relating particularly to under age smoking.
But for the intervention of Senator Costello, I would have seconded the motion of my colleague, Senator O'Toole, on the economy, although I distance myself from his warm welcome to Senator Keogh. I have to say quite seriously that to me it has all the hallmarks of cynical opportunism.
Shame, shame.
It calls into question the whole method of election and nomination to this House. Let us now have a full examination of the way—
We are not discussing Senator Keogh's political affiliation and the Senator's comments are not in order on the Order of Business. If you have a question for the Deputy Leader on the Order of Business, you should put that question.
I am amused by Senator Manning's reference to rotten boroughs. He should have a look around and see the other rotten boroughs. At least I have about 40,000 electors which is more than most other people.
Had I been allowed to second Senator O'Toole's motion, his revision to the Order of Business, I would have said that it would provide a welcome opportunity for Senator Keogh to give us a view of her revised opinions on the economy because I presume there has been a sudden change. I presume this would be in the manner described by Swift in Gulliver's Travels where politicians achieved office by performing somersaults on a tightrope—
I expect the Senator to respect my rulings.
Since Senator Keogh was an appointee of the Taoiseach, does that—
Senator Chambers, this is not in order on the Order of Business.
What about Senator Haughey, Senator Mulcahy, Senator G.V. Wright and six others last time round who did not resign?
Order, please. Has the Senator a question for the Deputy Leader of the House?
I ask the Deputy Leader to bring to the attention of the Minister for Health and Children – I appreciate that he was here last night – the report today by the Irish Heart Foundation which calls for co-ordinated strategies for the prevention and treatment of strokes in hospital. It is a very serious area where there is a need for extra resources. It is important that the matter is brought to the attention of the Minister so that extra resources can be provided for the care and treatment of victims of stroke.
It is a long time since we mentioned in this House the matter of a single regulatory authority and it is a much longer time since the Government mentioned the subject.
We are getting the scenic route today.
No, I do not think so. It is a very important matter.
If the Senator has a question for the Deputy Leader of the House, he should put the question to him.
Of course I have. One would have thought that despite the other difficulties which might be somewhat more intractable, on this matter the respective office holders in the Departments of Finance and Enterprise, Trade and Employment might have been able to agree, but for some reason, despite all of the promises, we have not heard anything on the matter. I would like a response today from the Deputy Leader on what, if anything, the Government has in mind on this matter in the short term or whenever.
I also support Senator O'Toole. There is genuine confusion, and the Deputy Leader might clarify this, as to the approach of the Minister for Finance. Some people, including Senator O'Toole, believe that he will do nothing. Others, I read this morning, believe he is prepared to look at it. On this all important matter of the rising inflation level which has hit the highest peak in 15 years, I would like to hear the Deputy Leader's comments.
I have asked previously for a debate before the end of the session on the position of Irish people in England, in particular, those who have socio-economic problems. There have been serious reports on the number of Irish people who are homeless or are in psychiatric institutions and in prisons, particularly in London. We should try to find time for a debate on this before the end of the session.
Will the Deputy Leader convey our compliments and congratulations to the Minister for Finance on his foresight and his brave decision to protect the interests of pensioners and social welfare recipients in the interest of the future of the nation? It was an important decision. For too long we have read headlines about the dangers of the growing numbers who will be in receipt of pensions in future and the ability of the State to protect their interests. The Minister for Finance has been to the fore in protecting their interests. I ask the Deputy Leader to convey our compliments and thanks to him. I am sure everybody feels indebted to him because he is thinking of their futures at a time when he can afford to take such a measure.
It is quite extraordinary that somebody who joined the Opposition ranks only yesterday can be elevated to a top position today.
I have ruled that matter out of order.
The Minister for Finance is due to announce certain changes later regarding the housing industry. As a rule the House does not deal with financial matters, even if they are introduced late in legislation, such as a second Finance Bill. Will the Deputy Leader schedule a short debate next week on the measures? According to newspaper reports some of these will be welcome and it might be no harm to have statements on the matter.
I thank the Deputy Leader for his kind and considered words recently. I received some very generous approaches from my good friends on the Independent benches, particularly Senators Norris and Ross.
We are keeping a seat warm.
He is also welcome over here.
He is staying put.
However, having reflected on various matters I am not moving anywhere.
I support Senator O'Toole's motion on inflation. We cannot let it go any further without making a point if the House is to be relevant.
I almost hate to ask whether time could be found to have a debate on European matters but I was unaware of the summit in Portugal next week during which a charter of fundamental rights and a report on the intergovernmental conference will be discussed on which decisions may be reached. We have not debated the possibility of a two speed Europe which will be discussed next week. If we do not have a chance to debate that, we need to influence the Government because while decisions may not be reached, the House may not reconvene before the European leaders meet again in Nice in late October or early November when decisions will be made.
We have not had an opportunity to debate European matters in recent times and it is late to be doing so if a summit is taking place next week. We do not want to find ourselves left out in a two speed Europe. If that happens we must ensure that we have had a voice in it before any decisions are reached.
I endorse the calls for a debate on inflation, which I assume will be granted by the Deputy Leader following his remarks yesterday, because I am sure nobody wants to call a division at the end of the Order of Business.
I call for a debate on the Bacon report, which will be issued at midday. This is one of the most serious social and economic issues to face the country during the economic boom and I presume it will not be relegated to the autumn. It is a matter of immediate concern which should be considered in this House. If the Deputy Leader wants help, I will table a motion.
As the last person to cross the floor of this House I wish Senator Keogh greater success than I had in joining Fine Gael.
An equally short stay.
Grandfatherhood becomes Senator Ross.
I ask for the last time this session for a debate on water pollution, water quality and environmental issues in general. I made the case as well as I could on a number of occasions and nothing happened. However, a number of other Members and I, who care deeply about these issues, will be disappointed if the Minister for the Environment and Local Government does not come to the House before the end of the session to debate water pollution and related environmental issues. We have had a few stabs at these issues. A hap less Minister of State has come into the House on each occasion and it has been frustrating. I ask the Deputy Leader to arrange that the Minister for the Environment and Local Government will come to the House.
I wish to follow up on Senator Quinn's remarks. I requested a debate yesterday on what will happen in Europe over the next six months. The Feira summit next week will be important. I referred to qualified majority voting and Commissioners. European matters should be debated. The issues known as the "Luxembourg leftovers" pertain to Ireland and have not been addressed over the past six months during the Portuguese Presidency, although it was a good Presidency. The French have suggested that they will address these matters which are pertinent to our future in Europe. A debate should be held before the French Presidency commences which means that it should take place before the end of this session.
I wish the new Opposition front bench, which I am sure has been enhanced, the best. Time will tell.
A few weeks ago, I raised the issue of the 75 people who died as a result of receiving infected blood products. I requested the Leader to seek a discussion with the Ministers for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and Health and Children, particularly in regard to pursuing criminal negligence cases against those responsible.
Senator Taylor-Quinn, we must not impinge on the work of the tribunal dealing with that matter.
Apart from the tribunal there are ways and means through which criminal matters can be investigated. The tribunal need not necessarily be a factor in prohibiting such investigation. Will the Deputy Leader ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to come to the House to discuss the possibility of proceeding with a criminal investigation?
I refer to the third Bacon report which is fundamentally important. Its proposals deserve to be debated in the House with a view to an action plan from the Government.
A Chathaoirligh, you dealt with the Harbours (Amendment) Bill, 2000, and, therefore, I do not have to say anything further.
I assure the House that there is no question of the Government running away from the issue of the economy and inflation, as has been suggested. In addition, I have made every effort over the past few days to try to have this matter debated in the House. The Government will bring forward important measures later to deal with aspects of inflation and the problems in the housing market. That will require legislation, which I confirmed in my contacts with the Whip's Office earlier. It will have to pass through the House before it recesses and both housing, which has been raised by several Members, inflation and the economy will be appropriate matters for that debate. It would not be helpful to have a debate and then another the following week. At this stage almost all the issues have been debated on the Order of Business and there is not a great deal more to say about them.
Unfortunately, that is the Government's view. Some progressive and creative thought would not go amiss.
When the legislation comes before the House, I am sure there will be a full attendance to participate in the debate. That deals with the point that was raised by Senators O'Toole, Norris, Costello, Quinn and Ross, both with regard to inflation and the housing situation.
Senator Costello raised the issue of the recognition of trade unions by multinational companies. While this would be an appropriate subject for discussion, as the Senator is aware, we are coming towards the end of the session. In a moment I will tell Senators about the Bills we intend to dispose of. Time is difficult to find but that is not to say we will not try to find it. To be honest with the Senator, however, the probability of such a debate taking place before the recess is somewhat restricted.
It would be inappropriate of me as Deputy Leader to enter into some of the party political matters that have been raised, other than to say that I very much regret that Senator Keogh has left the Progressive Democrats. I am personally disappointed but I wish her well in her new position across the floor of the House.
Fair enough.
That is all I wish to say about it. Senator Costello mentioned Commissioner Byrne and I share his view that the Commissioner is to be commended. I will bring that to the attention of the Minister for Health and Children. Senator Chambers raised the issue of stroke victims and the Irish Heart Foundation. That matter would be appropriate as a motion on the Adjournment but I will also bring it to the attention of the Minister.
As regards the single regulatory authority, I know from my membership of the Joint Committee on Finance and Public Service that this issue has been discussed. I am not sure at what stage the legislation currently is, but I will make inquiries.
Senator Henry mentioned the issue of homelessness and people with psychiatric problems living rough in England, and the attendant problems in prisons. I will bring those important issues to the attention of the Minister. We will try to find time for a debate on those matters but, as I have said, we are restricted because we are approaching the end of the session.
I endorse Senator Finneran's remarks. It has been farsighted of the Government to take a long view knowing that there is an aging population and that provision has to be made for that. The Minister for Finance has to be commended for the measures he has taken with regard to that matter.
Senators Cosgrave and Ross raised the new housing measures and I have dealt with them already. I detected a certain fluidity in the personnel across the floor this morning but Senator Cosgrave obviously has no crisis of identity, so I will not comment any further on that issue.
Senators Quinn, Lanigan and Taylor-Quinn raised the important matter of the forthcoming European summit. Whether or not this issue is debated in the House, I know the Government will resist a two-speed Europe. I do not see the Government subscribing to that idea at all. There is also concern about the institutional framework in the context of an expanded Europe. These are issues that would merit discussion but we are restricted by time.
I am happy to advise Senator Quill that we can accede to her request for time to be made available next Tuesday to discuss water quality.
They will talk about water but not inflation. It is unbelievable.
Pollution inflation, which is rising very rapidly.
We will talk about inflation when the legislation is before the House.
We can pick a date to discuss water, but we cannot pick a date to discuss something that is undermining the whole economy.
The Deputy Leader of the House, without interruption please.
I would also commend to Members the EPA millennium report on the state of the environment, in which there is much useful material.
Senator Taylor-Quinn raised the matter of people with infected blood. As the Cathaoirleach has pointed out, these issues are before a tribunal, in addition to which, criminal issues are matters for the Garda Síochána and the Director of Public Prosecutions. Her views, however, will be brought to the attention of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
Yesterday I was asked by Senator Manning what legislation it was expected to take in the House over the next two weeks. As I understand it, we will be taking the following legislation: the Town Renewal Bill, 2000, the Illegal Immigrants (Trafficking) Bill, 1999, the Firearms Bill, the Courts (Supplemental) Bill, the Hospitals Trust Bill, the Gas (Amendment) Bill and the Local Government (No. 2) Bill. There will also probably be a Finance Bill arising out of what has been discussed today.
Yesterday, Senator Manning also raised the question of item 1, the Trinity College, Dublin and the University of Dublin (Charters and Letters Patent Amendment) Bill. My understanding is that efforts are being made to try to resolve the outstanding issues. It is hoped that we can dispose of the legislation quickly.
Senator O'Toole has moved an amendment to the Order of Business: "That statements on the rate of inflation be taken before item 2." Is the amendment being pressed?
Absolutely, a Chathaoirligh. I think it is essential that we discuss inflation and that we hear the views of Government on it.
Amendment put.
Tá
|
Caffrey, Ernie.Coghlan, Paul.Cosgrave, Liam T.Costello, Joe.Doyle, Joe.Hayes, Tom.Henry, Mary.Keogh, Helen. |
Manning, Maurice.Norris, David.O'Dowd, Fergus.O'Toole, Joe.Quinn, Feargal.Ross, Shane.Taylor-Quinn, Madeleine. |
Níl
|
Bohan, Eddie.Bonner, Enda.Callanan, Peter.Chambers, Frank.Cregan, JohnDardis, John.Finneran, Michael.Fitzgerald, Liam.Fitzgerald, Tom.Gibbons, Jim.Glennon, Jim. |
Glynn, Camillus.Kett, Tony.Kiely, Daniel.Lanigan, Mick.Leonard, Ann.Lydon, Don.Mooney, Paschal.Moylan, Pat.Ó Fearghail, Seán.Ormonde, Ann.Quill, Máirín. |
Tellers: Tá, Senators O'Toole and Ross; Níl, Senators T. Fitzgerald and Gibbons.
Amendment declared lost.
Order of Business agreed to.