We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Savita Halappanavar report leak

Summary

Micheál Martin seeks immediate publication of the leaked report and a debate, while the Taoiseach says it has not been finalised or received by the relevant Minister.

In this evening's Evening Herald, there is an exclusive front-page article on the report into the death of Savita Halappanavar. The report has been leaked to the newspaper.

Comment on this
Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

What legislation is the Deputy talking about?

Comment on this

In respect of making time available in the House, will the Government publish the report immediately and facilitate opportunities for Deputies to speak on the report given the debate we have had so far on this very sensitive issue? I think the Taoiseach would agree that it is very unsatisfactory that it has been leaked in this manner, particularly when the Dáil has not had an opportunity to see it. I would appreciate if the Taoiseach could commit to publishing that report and providing an opportunity.

There is no intention in the section in the finance Bill dealing with amendments to the family home property tax to ease the burden for those in mortgage distress and arrears. We discussed this earlier. It is a significant crisis and many people will amazed at that. Can the Taoiseach outline the legislative schedule for the finance Bill and give a commitment to the House that there will be no guillotining of the debate on the Bill as there was before Christmas in respect of the property tax when we got less than two days and no chance to table amendments or discuss anything to do with it? Will he state that there will be no such guillotine in place in respect of the finance Bill and that we will have an opportunity to put down amendments to exempt those in mortgage distress and arrears from having to pay the property tax? If one cannot pay one's mortgage and if one is between 90 days and two years in arrears, how in the name of God can one be expected to pay the property tax on top of that?

Comment on this
Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

We cannot have a debate.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

I did not realise that Deputy Martin had turned into St. Augustine as the Deputy signed on for this as part of the memorandum of understanding. He wants it but not just yet. Second Stage of the finance Bill will be held next week. The schedule will be available today at 1.30 p.m. when the Bill becomes available to Deputies.

Comment on this

And no guillotine.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

Obviously, that is a matter for the Whips as long as people wish to discuss this issue.

Comment on this

The Government decides the guillotine.

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

No, I do not want any restriction on it.

Comment on this
Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Could we avoid across the floor discussion?

Comment on this
Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

We will have a full-scale debate next week on the Magdalen laundries, as I committed to when the report was published. I do not have any intention of guillotining the finance Bill. It is an important Bill and everybody should be allowed to have their say. I am sure we can make arrangements for that.

In respect of the report referred to by Deputy Martin appearing in an evening newspaper published today, I checked with the Minister for Finance this morning. That report has not been finalised and has not been received by the Minister. The Deputy is aware that following the unfortunate and tragic death of Savita Halappanavar that there are three investigations ongoing by the HSE, HIQA and the coroner's report. I would have expected, as normal courtesy should apply, that the husband of the late woman should be the first person briefed about what is happening. I will not make any comment about newspaper reports because this report is not concluded or finalised and has not been received by the Minister. I would expect that when it is, the first person to be briefed about it should be her husband.

Comment on this