Order of Business
- Order of Business 2 speeches
The Government proposes the day’s legislative business, including health, housing-related committee motions and the Friendly Societies Bill; the House agrees to take one motion without debate.
Ruairí Quinn, Seán Barrett
- Adoption information and tracing legislation 4 speeches
Deputy Troy presses for progress on legislation giving adopted people access to identity and tracing information. The Minister cites constitutional and privacy issues causing delay and undertakes to check a related report.
Robert Troy, Ruairí Quinn
- Magdalen survivors’ medical cards 4 speeches
Deputy McDonald asks when legislation granting medical cards to Magdalen laundry survivors will be published and how overseas survivors will receive entitlements. The Minister says Cabinet has approved the Bill’s heads and aims to enact it before the session ends.
Mary Lou McDonald, Ruairí Quinn
- Speaking rights on GP legislation 17 speeches
Deputy Naughten seeks speaking time for the ‘others’ grouping and Members who contributed to the Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill. The Minister and Chair support resolving the issue through the Whips and cooperation between groups, rather than debating it on the floor.
Denis Naughten, Ruairí Quinn, Peter Mathews, Róisín Shortall, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
- Pregnancy Act notifications report 5 speeches
Deputy McGrath asks whether the annual report required under the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act will be laid by 1 July. The Minister does not know and directs him to await a parliamentary-question response.
Mattie McGrath, Ruairí Quinn, Seán Barrett
- Drug-driving legislation 2 speeches
Deputy Ellis asks when mandatory drug testing for drivers will be legislated; the Minister says the measures are expected next year.
Dessie Ellis, Ruairí Quinn
- Hidden economy legislation 15 speeches
Deputy Broughan asks whether the hidden economy committee will receive a legislative basis and raises alleged criminal conduct involving contractors and recruitment companies. The Chair rules the detailed matter out of order, while the Minister says relevant legislation is being developed and will convey the point.
Thomas P. Broughan, Seán Barrett, Ruairí Quinn
- Mortgage guarantee scheme 4 speeches
Deputy Doherty questions the proposed high loan-to-value mortgage guarantee scheme and whether legislation is needed. The Minister says an insurance Bill exists but cannot provide further details, advising a specific parliamentary question.
Pearse Doherty, Seán Barrett, Ruairí Quinn
- Climate action Bill timetable 4 speeches
Deputy Doherty returns to ask when the climate action and low-carbon development Bill will be ready; the Minister says its heads were cleared in April and publication is expected later in the year.
Seán Barrett, Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Pearse Doherty, Ruairí Quinn
- Defence ministerial responsibilities 4 speeches
Deputy Ó Fearghaíl asks whether assigning additional Defence duties requires amending the Ministers and Secretaries Act. The Chair advises him to pursue the matter through a parliamentary question.
Seán Ó Fearghaíl, Seán Barrett
- Irish name for Ervia 6 speeches
Deputy Ó Cuív seeks a debate on renaming Bord Gáis Éireann as Ervia, arguing this reverses a commitment to Irish-language names for State bodies. The Minister undertakes to inquire whether the change requires regulation and has an Irish equivalent.
Éamon Ó Cuív, Mattie McGrath, Seán Barrett, Ruairí Quinn
- Technological universities Bill 4 speeches
Deputy Walsh asks for the status of the Technological Universities Bill; the Minister says it is with parliamentary counsel and likely will not be ready until late autumn.
Brian Walsh, Ruairí Quinn
- Noise nuisance legislation 6 speeches
Deputy Butler asks when legislation expanding enforcement powers and on-the-spot fines for noise nuisance will be published, highlighting persistent barking and animal-welfare problems. The Minister shares his concern but has no introduction date.
Ray Butler, Denis Naughten, Seán Barrett, Joe Costello, Ruairí Quinn
- Higher Education Authority Bill 3 speeches
Deputy Durkan asks about the Higher Education Authority Bill; the Minister says it remains at an early stage, with heads not yet cleared, and is unlikely before year-end.
Bernard Durkan, Ruairí Quinn
- Climate action Bill follow-up 2 speeches
Deputy Ó Ríordáin notes that his question concerned the climate change Bill, which the Minister has already addressed.
Seán Barrett, Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
It is proposed to take No. 9b, motion re membership of committee; the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2014 has now been completed, so that will not be resumed; No. 9a, Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2014, motion to instruct the committee; No. 23, Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill 2014 - Order for Report, Report and Final Stages; and No. 2, Friendly Societies and Industrial and Provident Societies (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2013 [Seanad] - Second Stage.
It is proposed, notwithstanding anything in Standing Orders, that No. 9b shall be decided without debate.
Comment on this
Earlier today at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Health and Children there were several groups representing people who have been adopted, including the Adoption Rights Alliance and the Adoption Authority of Ireland, among others. One issue that came up among all contributors was the lack of progress in respect of the adoption (information and tracing) Bill. This legislation would give people a basic fundamental right, the right to an identity. This legislation was a top priority for the Government upon coming to office. The Government is now in three years in office and we are still awaiting publication of the Bill. Perhaps the Minister could advise the House of the progress of same.
My second question relates to the interdepartmental group which was set up following the report into the Tuam mother and baby home. I presume the Department of Education and Skills is central to that group. The group was to report back to the Government, I understand, at the end of this month - that is, Monday 30 June. Can the Minister confirm whether that report will be discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday morning?
Comment on this
Deputy Troy will probably be aware that we did not have legal adoption legislation in this country until the early 1950s.
Comment on this
I am told that because of the Constitution and legal constraints around privacy and access, the right of people who were adopted to trace their birth parents is still being considered, because there are legal implications and difficulties. These have, unfortunately, caused a delay in legislation that we all want to see enacted as quickly as possible.
In respect of Deputy Troy's second question, I will find out whether the relevant report is now ready. As Deputy Troy said, we were due to have it by the end of this month. I am not currently aware of any document that has been brought to my attention in my Department but I will find out and I will write to Deputy Troy directly on the matter.
Comment on this
I wish to ask the Minister about legislation which, I understand, has come before the Cabinet in respect of the granting of medical cards to women who survived the Magdalen laundries. When will that legislation be published? When does the Minister envisage its being put on the Statute Book? I understand the legislation will not take account of women and survivors who live outside the jurisdiction. Can the Minister tell us what methodology will be employed to ensure that these women get their entitlements under the Quirke redress scheme?
On several occasions the Taoiseach has made a commitment to a joint party motion in respect of the families of the victims of the Ballymurphy massacre. Can the Minister tell us when it is proposed to bring forward the wording of the motion and when we might have sight of it?
Comment on this
Deputy McDonald should correct me if I am wrong, but I understand she will have a meeting next week with either the Minister or officials in the Department on the matter.
Comment on this
The Cabinet agreed earlier this week to the heads of the Bill and it is the intention of the Minister to try to enact legislation providing for medical cards for the survivors of the Magdalen laundries, with the co-operation of both Houses, before the end of this session. That is the intention. That is the information I currently have.
I do not have information with regard to the Ballymurphy massacre but I will get the Taoiseach's Department to write to Deputy McDonald.
Comment on this
I wish to raise an issue in respect of scheduling with the Minister. It relates to the Health (General Practitioner Service) Bill. A motion will be moved in the House which allows for an hour of contributions, but the "others" grouping cannot contribute. In the House yesterday the Taoiseach facilitated the "others" grouping in the pre-European Council debate. Will the Minister ensure that this is facilitated today? I have contributed to Second and Committee Stages and I have tabled Report Stage amendments, including an amendment to the relevant section that is being debated in the motion, yet I am excluded from contributing. I hope that the Minister can facilitate us in this respect.
Comment on this
I was not in the House yesterday when the Taoiseach responded, but I gather that, subject to the agreement of the House, if time is available it can be shared between the Technical Group and the others, if that is agreeable. However, it is a matter for the House to decide.
Comment on this
There is a difficulty. I am sure the Technical Group has allocated speakers on the motion. This was brought in. I spoke with officials in the Ceann Comhairle's office yesterday and they were unaware of the detail before it was moved in the House. I was unaware of the detail. I have actively participated in the debate and I have tabled amendments to the relevant sections that are being debated in the motion. I believe I should have a right to contribute, as do other Members. Deputy Shortall has also tabled an amendment.
Comment on this
That sounds reasonable to me. I suggest that Deputy Naughten bring the matter directly to the Whips to see if space, time and agreement can be found to do it.
Comment on this
The debate is to take place in 13 minutes. I am asking the Government to facilitate us.
Comment on this
He is looking for ten minutes, for God's sake.
Comment on this
I would like to see Deputies facilitated in this House. I understand that there is not an offer from the Technical Group, as we speak, for a speaking slot. Perhaps the Deputy present in the House could confirm that. There is no objection on our side to Deputies being able to speak.
Comment on this
On the same matter, if I can be of assistance-----
Comment on this
No, we are not having a debate on this issue. An order was passed yesterday. If there is a problem and if I can assist in any way with the co-operation of the House, we will sort it out.
Comment on this
A Cheann Comhairle, can I be helpful?
Comment on this
I think it is time people realised the purpose of this exercise. There is no point in our finishing early in the day if people are prevented from speaking. With a little co-operation we can work these things out, but we cannot do it on the floor of the House on the Order of Business. Can I ask that these discussions take place behind the scenes? The Chair will be only too pleased to facilitate any agreement reached.
Comment on this
I want to thank you for your co-operation at all times in looking after us Independents.
Comment on this
I do not get any time. You look after me for time. Thank you. We will say nothing until we hear more.
Comment on this
Will Deputy Mattie McGrath slow it down so that I can understand what he is saying?
Comment on this
I was thanking the Ceann Comhairle for his co-operation and help in all matters. I am sure the Minister appreciates that.
The Minister for Health is obliged under the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 to lay a report before the House of the notifications he has received by the end of June each year. Will the Minister present indicate whether that report is ready? The end of June is approaching. It is a commitment in the Act under section 20(4). Will the report be laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas by next Tuesday, 1 July?
Comment on this
I do not know, but if Deputy Mattie McGrath tables a question I am sure he will get the answer.
Comment on this
Then the Deputy should wait for the answer.
Comment on this
The Minister's colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, has indicated on several occasions that he plans to bring in legislation to deal with mandatory testing of drivers for drug use. This is a major problem which needs to be dealt with on a scale similar to the way alcohol was dealt with - we know of the problems in that area. I believe the Minister intends to bring in the changes under the road traffic Bill. Can the Minister, Deputy Quinn, tell us when this will be brought before the House or if the Bill has been considered?
Comment on this
I am advised that it is next year.
Comment on this
A couple of weeks ago, under the international tax agreement Bill that is on the floor, I raised an issue that Deputy Troy raised earlier today. It was brought to my attention and to the attention of the Minister, perhaps, by members of the south-east Dublin branch of the Labour Party originally. I understand that we have a hidden economy committee. Is there any intention to put that on a legislative basis?
Has the Cabinet instructed Revenue and the Department of Social Protection-----
Comment on this
I did not get an opportunity to put the question previously.
Comment on this
I know, but there are other ways of doing so. A Topical Issues debate would be ideal.
Comment on this
As the Minister knows, it has been alleged that a major contractor and a recruitment company operating outside this jurisdiction are facilitating criminal behaviour-----
Comment on this
-----in contracts for which the Government is responsible.
Comment on this
I am sorry, but there is a time limit. Only nine minutes are left and other Deputies-----
Comment on this
What is the Minister's response to-----
Comment on this
The Minister cannot respond to something that is out of order on the Order of Business. We have had it on-----
Comment on this
On international taxation. I can see it on the clár. My question relates to Northern Ireland in particular.
Comment on this
I gather that the heads were cleared last March and are being worked on. I will bring the Deputy's point to the attention of the Minister.
Comment on this
Tá ceist agam faoi dhá phíosa reachtaíochta atá fógartha. First, will the climate action and low carbon development Bill be debated in the Houses before the summer recess? Second, the Government made commitments under Construction 2020. Today, a State bank, AIB, began a social network campaign aimed at young people telling them not to wait until pay day to buy their Electric Picnic tickets and instead to use AIB credit cards. No terms or conditions were mentioned in the adverts.
Comment on this
It is a throwback to the problems that got us to this point. Under Construction 2020, the Government is committed to introducing an insurance or guarantee scheme to increase to up to 95% loan-to-value ratios for new mortgage participants. Is it still the intention to continue with this hare-brained idea? Does the Government need to legislate to bring it about? If so, when will that legislation be published?
Comment on this
I am told there is already an insurance Bill, but I do not have an answer to the Deputy's question. If he submits a specific parliamentary question, he might get more information.
Comment on this
I apologise to Deputy Ó Fearghaíl, but I did not get an answer on the climate change Bill.
Comment on this
I am told the heads were cleared last April and the legislation will be ready later this year.
Comment on this
It has been reported that the Cabinet decided on Tuesday to assign additional duties to the Minister of State at the Department of Defence. Does the Government propose to amend the Ministers and Secretaries Act, given the speculation by some media outlets about the Department of Defence being assigned to-----
Comment on this
The Ministers and Secretaries Act is important legislation, certainly for people in the Defence Forces.
Comment on this
Some time ago, the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, gave a commitment in the House that any State body under his Department that had its name changed would be given an Irish language name. Recently, he published SI 287 of 2014 proposing to change the name of Bord Gáis Éireann to Ervia.
Comment on this
Is it intended to debate that order in the House? Can we have that debate? Many people believe State companies should have Irish language names and that this move is rowing back on a solemn commitment given on the floor of the House.
Comment on this
I will make inquiries. I do not know whether there is an English translation for "Ervia", let alone a Gaelic one. It might be a non-linguistic name. I will find out for the Deputy.
Comment on this
Will the Minister provide an update on the status of the technological universities Bill 2014?
Comment on this
Could the Deputy repeat the question, please?
Comment on this
Will the Minister provide an update on the status of the technological universities Bill 2014?
Comment on this
It has gone for drafting. I suspect it will not be ready until late this autumn.
Comment on this
When is publication expected of the noise nuisance Bill to extend and improve the powers available to enforcement authorities to prevent, reduce and abate noise nuisance through on-the-spot fines? We all encountered this major issue when canvassing in estates recently. Three or four dogs could be kept in houses with no gardens or facilities. We must introduce laws, as this is an issue of cruelty. I am sure many Deputies would agree.
Comment on this
The Ceann Comhairle would anyway.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy. Perhaps the Government might include the Houses of the Oireachtas in the Bill on governing noise.
Comment on this
I share Deputy Butler's concerns and have been the victim of that sort of uncontrollable noise, which becomes irritating after a while. Unfortunately, I have no date as to when that legislation will be introduced.
Comment on this
Is the higher education authority Bill due to be before the House shortly and have its heads been cleared?
Comment on this
It is at an early stage and the heads have not been cleared yet. I do not expect it to be published before the end of this year.
Comment on this
Mine was about the climate change Bill, which the Minister has already addressed.