Dáil debates
Wednesday, 11 November 2015
Order of Business
12:30 pm
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is proposed to take No. 17, motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the economic partnership agreements; No. 17a, motion re ministerial rota for parliamentary questions; No. 1, Children First Bill 2014 - amendments from the Seanad; No. 9, Horse Racing Ireland Bill 2015 - Second Stage (resumed); and No. 46, Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages.
It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that in the event a division is in progress at the time fixed for taking Private Members’ business, the Dáil shall sit later than 9 p.m. and shall adjourn on the conclusion of Private Members’ business, which shall be No. 216, motion re Health Service Executive emergency departments (resumed), and shall, if not previously concluded, be brought to a conclusion after 90 minutes; Nos. 17 and 17a shall be decided without debate; and that No. 1 shall be taken immediately after the Order of Business and the suspension of sitting under Standing Order 23 (1) shall take place on the conclusion of No. 1.
Tomorrow’s business after Oral Questions shall be No. 46, Garda Síochána (Policing Authority and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2015 - Report and Final Stages (resumed); No. 47 - Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill 2015 - Second Stage (resumed); and No. 10 - Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2015 - Order for Second Stage and Second Stage.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are three proposals to be put to the House. No. 1 is the proposal for dealing with the late sitting. Is that agreed to?
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Not agreed. This motion, which proposes approval without discussion, has to do with economic partnership agreements with states in the Caribbean and others with the west African states-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is the second proposal.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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It is the first one.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The late sitting is the first one.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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No, the terms of economic partnership agreements-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, no. I am putting the question as to whether the proposal for dealing with the late sitting is agreed to.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Okay. Can I come back on this one when you get to it?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Yes, of course. Is the proposal for dealing with the late sitting agreed? Agreed. Is the proposal for dealing with Nos. 17 and 17a, motion re referral to select committee of proposed approval by Dáil Éireann of the terms of the economic partnership agreements; and motion re ministerial rota for parliamentary questions, agreed to?
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Not agreed.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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This is about referring to committee.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I understand that. I am looking for the Taoiseach to give a commitment to have full Oireachtas oversight when it comes out of the committee and to have a debate here, because this will have a huge effect on jobs. It will undermine development goals, including the recent sustainable development goals. We will not vote against it going into the committee, but we are looking for a debate when it comes out of the committee.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I do not object to this. It is a fair point. I agree that we can have a short debate when it comes back from the select committee.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Gabhaim buíochas leis an Taoiseach.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the proposal for dealing with No. 1, Children First Bill 2014 - Amendments from the Seanad, agreed to? Agreed. On the Order of Business, Deputy Micheál Martin.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister, Deputy Howlin, told Deputy Kelleher in a parliamentary question that the published forecast outturn for 2015 gross current health expenditure includes provision for a Supplementary Estimate of €600 million. There is a lack of clarity about the final figure in a reply on 4 November and the Minister said the final figure would need to reflect the latest view of HSE year-end performance and that it is too early at this stage to assess accurately the projected overall deficit for 2015. That was earlier this month. I did raise with the Taoiseach yesterday that hospitals around the country are still waiting for news of the Supplementary Estimate in so far as how it affects their acute hospitals and whether the deficits they currently have or are projecting will be met in total out of the €600 million. It is a very serious issue going into next year, because the EU fiscal rules do not allow for over-expenditure or Supplementary Estimates. When will we have the presentation of the health Supplementary Estimate to the Dáil and will a debate be facilitated when that is produced? I also want to seek clarity on the legislative programme as regards the one-year bankruptcy issue and the legislation that was produced by Deputy Penrose and accepted.
Yesterday, in his reply, the Taoiseach stated that the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, had proposals to bring to the Dáil arising out of the Oireachtas committee's report. I am seeking to ascertain the status of the Bill that is already on the Order Paper to provide for a one-year bankruptcy law. Is the Government favourably disposed to that and is it of a mind to allow that Bill to be passed through the Oireachtas before the end of this legislative session? I would appreciate it if the Taoiseach could address the specifics of the Bill produced by Deputy Penrose - the Minister may have separate plans - and provide clarity on it in terms of the legislative programme and the Government's legislative intentions in that regard.
12:40 pm
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The Minister has already outlined this. She got the report from the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality in July last and she instructed her officials to examine in detail the substantial issues that are raised by the committee in it. As indicated to Deputy Martin yesterday, I expect the Minister to bring her analysis of that report to Cabinet in the next couple of weeks.
The Minister also pointed out that priority had been given to the passage through the Oireachtas of the important reforms contained in the Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Act 2015, to the implementing measures and court rules necessary to bring that into effect, and to the development and implementation of a range of measures to strengthen support for those in mortgage arrears on their homes, as was announced by the Government in May last. I must provide an update to the House from the Minister in respect of whether we can get this through in this session or not. My intention would be that it could happen. There are a number of pieces of legislation which are on the stocks to move through, and if it is possible to put this through I certainly will be strongly in support of it.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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There are 100,000 in mortgages distress and €10 billion in capital in the banks.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I want the Minister to come back to Cabinet in the next couple of weeks with her considered views arising from the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. I will update the House as that comes through.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We will deal with the leaders first.
Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I want to ask the Taoiseach about the Supplementary Estimates.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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They get great chances.
Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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They get great chances. What about the rest of us? They have a chance.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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They get wonderful chances.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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There are 22 minutes left. We are all right.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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We will get 30 seconds each.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Martin asked me about Supplementary Estimates. The intention is to bring them here on 19 November. Obviously, there will be an opportunity to have some words about them then.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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We are still not clear if and when the Taoiseach will allow a debate on the one-year bankruptcy law, and I would like clarity on that. I have two other ceisteanna, on the health (transport support) Bill and the international protection Bill, respectively. The health (transport support) Bill is intended to provide for a scheme to make individual payments towards transport costs for citizens with severe disabilities. As the Taoiseach will be aware, the Government scrapped the motorised transport grant and the mobility allowance, and any citizen who was not in a scheme at that time has not had access to any transport scheme since then.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy is repeating this.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I have raised this issue with the Taoiseach on at least half a dozen occasions. A new scheme is promised in section C of the Government's legislative programme. It is a scandal that severely disabled citizens have been denied assistance since 2013. Is there a date for the publication of the health (transport support) Bill?
On the proposed international protection Bill, the Minister for Justice and Equality brought in a proposal to the Cabinet yesterday for legislation on new powers to arrest and deport non-nationals who have not complied with deportations. There are reports that the proposed Bill will include a provision limiting the period for which immigrants have to reside in direct provision centres. While that may be-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot discuss the details on the Order of Business.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Okay. It would be welcome if there were any measure to reduce the period over which people must stay in these provision centres. I have to say the arbitrary treatment of non-nationals in the past has caused-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We cannot debate it on the Order of Business.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I have to be fair to everybody.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I know that-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Ten minutes are gone already.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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And equally unfair.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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-----and that includes me.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I am being very fair to Deputy Adams, but the rules apply to him just as they do to everybody else when it comes to matters on the Order of Business, which is about promised legislation.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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I understand that. Can I ask my question?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We do not debate the matters.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Can I ask the question?
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Deputy Adams will get used to it. I got used to it.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Of course Deputy Adams may ask his question.
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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When will the international protection Bill be published?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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In answer to Deputy Adams' first question, he will be aware that the proposed health (transport support) Bill was quite a complex legal process. The Government decided that all those who were in receipt of the assistance would remain so. The challenge here is to devise a new system for potential new entrants. That will be published early next year.
The international protection Bill was approved and passed by Government yesterday. That will mean one central point for assessment of persons who come here, which should shorten the timescale and provide a much clearer and more effective way to provide facilities and deal with those who come through the system. That Bill will be taken in the Seanad before it comes here. I expect it is a matter for the Seanad to make arrangements to deal with the international protection Bill, which was cleared and approved yesterday.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I lend my voice to those calling for action on the one-year-----
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Hear, hear.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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I have forgotten the word.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Just a second. Is this promised legislation?
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Ask Deputy Mathews.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The one-year bankruptcy Bill.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Okay. We went through it all yesterday.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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It will save lives. Suicides are taking place in the Taoiseach's constituency.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Would Deputy Mathews mind staying quiet?
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I get letters that should be directed to the Taoiseach. A suicide took place in his constituency due to bank pressure.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I ask Deputy Mathews to calm down and not upset himself.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I am calm. I am just trying to make my voice heard. I have no microphone.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy Mathews will be leaving the Chamber if he is not careful. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl is in possession.
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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An early bath.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The importance of the Bill in this area is accepted by all Members and it has been accepted by the Taoiseach. We look forward to seeing action on it.
I would also like to ask the Taoiseach about the proposed gambling control Bill. We hear a lot of talk in this country about dependency on alcohol and the negative impact of this, but lives and families are being destroyed by gambling addictions. Currently, there are no controls in place. Does the Taoiseach see himself being in a position to bring forward this promised legislation before the Dáil ends?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It will not happen in this session. That will be next year.
Anne Ferris (Wicklow, Labour)
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I ask the Taoiseach to give us an update on the adoption (tracing and information) Bill. There are thousands of people in this country, including myself, who are anxious to see progress on this Bill and would like to ensure that it goes through all Stages before the spring.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The adoption (tracing and information) Bill underwent its pre-legislative scrutiny session a number of weeks ago. It is expected that the Bill will come to the House here before the end of this session.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I refer to three items of legislation already promised. When is the proposed EirGrid Bill, which is to give statutory effect to EirGrid, likely to come before the House? Have the heads of the Bill been cleared? A Bill is also proposed on the transfer of sentenced persons and the transfer of execution of sentences. Have the heads of the Bill been cleared and when will it be published and brought before the House? Lastly, there is the proposed broadcasting (amendment) Bill, which will examine the allocation of expenditure from the television licence and other matters.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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All of these are to be published next year. The heads of the proposed EirGrid Bill have not been cleared. That will be published probably halfway through next year. The proposed transfer of sentenced persons and transfer of execution of sentences Bill will be published early next year. I cannot give the Deputy a date for the proposed broadcasting (amendment) Bill but it will be next year also.
James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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In conjunction with the upcoming bail Bill, does the Taoiseach or the Department of Justice and Equality have any plans to increase the scope for all criminals who are currently out on bail-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sorry; we do not deal with the scope of Bills.
James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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-----to be electronically tagged or equipped with electronic devices-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a parliamentary question.
James Bannon (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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-----in order to track their movements and reduce crime?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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That is a matter for a parliamentary question.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There are two Bills dealing with this matter, a Cheann Comhairle, the first of which is the Criminal Justice (Burglary of Dwellings) Bill 2015, which is currently going through the Houses. The general bail Bill is due for next year. If the Government were to decide in respect of electronic tagging, where conditions would apply, that would be part of the broader bail Bill which will be published early next year.
Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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I merely wish to ask the Taoiseach about the proposed one-year bankruptcy Bill and when he intends to bring something forward on it.
12:50 pm
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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It is hoped in this session.
Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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I endorse Deputy Pringle's question.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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There is no need to endorse anything. Just get on with your question.
Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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It is immediate and urgent.
Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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It has been asked and answered.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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What is your question?
Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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Hundreds of entrepreneurs are out of business.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will have to ask you to resume your seat.
Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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I ask the Taoiseach to expedite the matter at a very early date.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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What matter?
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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The bankruptcy Bill.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Your colleague got an answer two seconds ago.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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The Deputy is going to keep asking.
Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent)
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I just wanted to give backup support. This is the point.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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It does not change, I can assure you.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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I welcome that the Taoiseach has clarified for the first time that bankruptcy will be dealt with.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Do not join the chorus.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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We have been asking about it for weeks.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I know. We discussed it yesterday and today.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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We have clarity that it is supposed to come in, and we will keep the Government to the commitment. The electoral (amendment) (referendum spending and miscellaneous provisions) Bill will provide for the extension of the spending limit period. It has not been approved by the Government yet and is No. 83 on the list. Will it be approved by the Houses and will the limits be implemented before the general election?
The Seanad electoral (university members) (amendment) Bill will give effect to the 1979 referendum on Seanad university franchise. I was two years of age when the people voted on the issue. When will the legislation come before the House and is it the sum total of the Government's Seanad reform proposals?
I have asked about the Tribunals of Inquiry Bill numerous times. The Bill has been before the House since 2005 and is awaiting Report Stage. It is an insult to the House that it is still on the Order Paper. Let us have the Report Stage debate or drop the Bill. It has been recommitted to the Order Paper after successive general elections. It is time to make a decision on it.
The sea fisheries and maritime jurisdiction (amendment) Bill is to introduce a points system for skippers who infringe the Common Fisheries Policy. The Taoiseach will be aware that the second largest trawler in the world is trawling off Donegal while fishermen who have been banned from fishing their own waters are looking out the window. What type of legislation is the Taoiseach bringing forward to ensure the trawlers are properly inspected and conform with the Common Fisheries Policy?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I expect the authorities will deal with trawlers trawling illegally in Irish waters. The law is very clear and the authorities have been very active during recent years. The Tribunals of Inquiry Bill has been on the Order Paper for a very long time.
Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Ten years.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Let us see what the best course of action is. I do not want to have to invoke it again. The 1979 legislation probably will not come before us before the end of the session. It is not the sum total of the Government's intention on Seanad reform. A very interesting document was put forward by a number of people who served in the Seanad over the years and who have no vested interest in serving there any longer. I gave Deputy Adams a commitment that we would have a debate on it, and we will when I get the opportunity. I will have to come back to the Deputy about the electoral (amendment) (referendum spending and miscellaneous provisions) Bill. If I were to answer the question, it might answer a second question also.
Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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It would also be the first time the Taoiseach had answered either question.
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Do not be like that.
John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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The Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill has stalled somewhere in the process. Could the Taoiseach update me on it? Various Bills on commercial rates have come before the House. Will the Taoiseach examine the Bills and the Supplementary Estimates to assist local authorities to cover their shortfall of €20 million due to the revaluations that have taken place regarding the telecommunications area? There is serious difficulty and small businesses throughout the country will be asked to cough up this €20 million shortfall. Legislation on bankruptcy would help small businesses and those that are in difficulty.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have spoken about bankruptcy and I hope we can deal with it. Report Stage of the Criminal Justice (Spent Convictions) Bill should be taken in the next couple of weeks.
John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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What about the commercial rates and the €20 million shortfall?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will come back to the Deputy on it.
Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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The economic partnership agreements, EPAs, are leading to food insecurity and conflict, which is forcing people to migrate from Africa to Europe. The EPAs are pouring petrol on the migration flame. I thank the Taoiseach for his earlier commitment to have a short debate on No. 17 on the Order Paper. Will all groups in the House have an opportunity to contribute to the debate? Can we have a broader debate on the impact the EPAs are having on migration across Africa into Europe?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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There is no reason the committee that deals with the issue could not have a reasonably lengthy debate on a broad range of issues. I would like to think that we could have a suitably arranged debate here. There are many groups in the House and if we were to give them all lengthy opportunities, it could go on for a very long time. As I said, we will debate it when it comes back and we will see who we can facilitate or who is interested. The Deputy's point about migration from Africa is part of the discussions taking place in Valletta today. It is a set-piece arrangement. The camps in the Horn of Africa are in a horrendous state and Ireland has had an interest in the matter for many years from a humanitarian perspective. We will try to facilitate it on the committee, and the group discussion can take place when it comes back.
Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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I raise, in the context of the Courts Service, the fact there is only one arbitrator for the whole country, which is delaying the arbitration processes. When does the Taoiseach expect to have the heads of the courts (consolidation and reform) Bill approved?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I cannot answer. I will have to report progress from the Department of Justice and Equality and I will advise the Deputy.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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The Taoiseach is aware that the Margiris, the second largest trawler in the world, has been fishing in Donegal Bay since last weekend.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Hold on a second.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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It is accompanied by two super trawlers and is within 50 miles of the Irish shore.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy knows it is out of order on the Order of Business.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Has the Sea-Fisheries Protection Authority, SFPA, searched those boats? Is the Taoiseach aware that the Margirisis banned from fishing in Australian waters?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sorry. If I let you in, I have to let everybody else in. I call Deputy Conway.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Is the Taoiseach also aware that Irish fishermen are denied quota and forbidden from fishing in those waters while super-trawlers from outside the jurisdiction are allowed to come in.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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You will have to find another way to raise it. This is the Order of Business regarding promised legislation. It is not about trawlers or anything else.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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I am asking a direct question.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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You are not getting an answer.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Has the SFPA searched the vessel, the same as it does Irish vessels every day across the coast? Will the Taoiseach confirm this or otherwise? Has the SFPA searched these vessels?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Would you resume your seat, please? Resume your seat.
Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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I am waiting for an answer.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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You are not getting an answer. This is the Order of Business.
Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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A number of weeks ago, I raised the issue of the Children and Family Relationships Act which still has not been enacted. Many children are timing out, meaning they are reaching the age of 18 before they become eligible for adoption. It is heartbreaking for families. My colleagues asked about the adoption (tracing and information) Bill, and I understand the two Bills are interlinked. It is imperative that the adoption (tracing and information) Bill come before the House before Christmas.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I have answered on the adoption (tracing and information) Bill. The Children and Family Relationships Act has been enacted. Is the Deputy talking about some commencement order for some element of it?
Ciara Conway (Waterford, Labour)
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Only one section, relating to passports, has been commenced. The rest of the Bill has not been commenced.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will follow that up and advise the Deputy.
1:00 pm
Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)
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What progress is being made with the maritime area and foreshore (amendment) Bill, which has been promised for some time? The Bill in question will streamline planning permissions in ports, which are badly needed to create employment in places like Foynes in County Limerick.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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This complicated legislation is being drafted in-house in the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government. My understanding is that the Bill will be presented to the House before the end of this session.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Last but not least, I call Deputy McLoughlin.
An Ceann Comhairle: Last but not least., I call Deputy McLoughlin.
Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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I would just like to ask the Taoiseach in relation to-----
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I had my hand up first.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sorry, Deputy Mathews.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I was the very first up.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We have had a few late arrivals here.
Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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All right, Peter, we will get you in.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Deputy Anne Ferris and I were the first to indicate after the leaders.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy has been interrupting throughout, so he has had about four goes.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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No, I have been contributing information to help the Government to make better decisions.
Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Is the Deputy finished? I would like to ask the Taoiseach whether the heads of the road transport Bill have been prepared yet.
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Deputy Mathews will have to wait another few minutes.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Well managed, Paul.
Tony McLoughlin (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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What is the timeframe?
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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The road transport Bill is due for next year.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I would like to raise two issues, the first of which is now a week old. I refer to the disgraceful announcement by Bank of Ireland-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sorry, the Deputy should speak about promised legislation.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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-----when it told depositors-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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We are not going into the Bank of Ireland.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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That bank was insolvent in 2009.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I do not care. It is not in order on the Order of Business.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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How dare they tell people how to deposit their funds into their current accounts?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Sorry, would you please resume your seat?
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I want the Taoiseach to note that, please, and bring them into shape.
Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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Hear, hear.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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Deputy Mathews is right.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I want it on the record.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Does the Deputy understand that what he wants and what he can get are two different things?
James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Mick Jagger.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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There is a thing called order in the House. These matters should be raised by means of parliamentary questions, Topical Issue matters and a number of other things, but not on the Order of Business. If the Deputy asks about promised legislation, he will be in order.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Okay. The enactment of the promised legislation has got stuck. I am going to ask the Taoiseach a question about that. When he took Leaders' Questions on the IBRC yesterday-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Hold on please, a Cheann Comhairle.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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No, it is not "please". What promised legislation is the Deputy referring to?
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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The Taoiseach's former colleague, Alan Dukes, said on television yesterday-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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For goodness sake.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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-----that as the executive chairperson of IBRC, he is concerned-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, please resume your seat or you will be taking a walk.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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-----that mortgage loans need to be written down.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Do you hear me, Deputy?
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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He said that the Governor of the Central Bank needs to do something about it.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy-----
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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He is only looking to be thrown out.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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He said that the other banks took €10 billion-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, leave the Chamber, please. Just leave the Chamber.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I am in the middle of a sentence and then I will leave.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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You are not going to ignore the Chair like this.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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They took €10 billion of further capital to prevent suicides.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, do you want me to name you and we will vote you out?
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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May I speak to the Taoiseach in private after this session?
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, would you please leave the Chamber?
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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This is lies.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Would you leave the Chamber?
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Savita Halappanavar was one life lost, receiving the best headlines for a year.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, I will not ask you a second time.
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Hundreds of people have committed suicide.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Deputy, would you please leave the Chamber?
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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Certainly, a Cheann Comhairle.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Out. Thank you.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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And stay out.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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And would you get a copy of the Standing Orders on the way out and read them for the afternoon?
Peter Mathews (Dublin South, Independent)
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I do not need them.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I call Deputy Troy.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I did not think I was going to be late until the time expired. I have repeatedly asked the Taoiseach about a statutory instrument from the Department of Justice and Equality. It is very unfair that local authorities throughout the country which are waiting for the statutory instrument to enable them to deal with tenants who persistently engage in anti-social behaviour are being left-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Where are we going here, Deputy? Does this relate to promised legislation?
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Yes, it relates to a statutory instrument from the Department of Justice and Equality.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Which one is it?
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I do not know the exact name of the statutory instrument. I am sure the Taoiseach will know which one it is.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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How does the Deputy expect the Taoiseach to answer his question if he does not know the name of it?
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I am explaining what it relates to. The wind energy guidelines have been repeatedly requested and have been repeatedly promised by the Government.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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It is all hot air.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Thousands of submissions have been made in this regard.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy has made his point.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Residents are petrified that new applications-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy can table a Topical Issue matter and I will consider it.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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-----will be made in the absence of the new guidelines.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Is the Deputy listening to me?
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I am.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I have said that he should table a Topical Issue matter.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I want to know from the Taoiseach-----
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I will consider it.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I have spent weeks asking the Taoiseach when the new guidelines will be published.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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I know.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Every time the Taoiseach responds, he says that he will get his office to correspond with me or that he will report back to me at a later stage.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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If the Deputy tables a Topical Issue matter, we will get an answer for him.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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People are none the wiser on when these guidelines will be published.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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The Deputy's time is up.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Perhaps the Taoiseach will make us the wiser this morning.
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Ask Donie.
Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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I will make Deputy Troy the wiser. There is no conclusion to the debate and the discussions on the new wind energy regulations. Rather than writing to the Deputy, I will inform him myself when a conclusion is reached.
Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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In what year will that happen?
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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What about the statutory instrument?
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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I do not think too many people in the midlands will find this funny.
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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We know what the Deputy is playing at.
Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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Will the Deputy go back to his constituency and laugh at them?
Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy is playing politics with the local community.
Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Ceann Comhairle)
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Would the Deputies mind having some respect for the Chamber, please?
Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Sorry, a Cheann Comhairle, but he just irritates me.