Alcohol, gambling and Fennelly report
Seán Ó Fearghaíl asks why alcohol-control and gambling legislation is delayed, when the Fennelly report will arrive, and for progress on Constitutional Convention recommendations. The Tánaiste offers no date for the report, saying its timeframe runs to year-end, and again refers convention discussions to the Whips.
My colleague Deputy Durkan made reference to the sale of alcohol Bill, which we are informed is delayed until later this year. The control of gambling Bill is also delayed and there is no indication at all as to when it will be published. Why are these two important pieces of legislation being long-fingered?
When does the Government expect to receive the Fennelly report? Will the Tánaiste give a commitment that it will be published immediately?
I refer to the point raised by Deputy Mary Lou McDonald - because it is very valid - in respect of the Constitutional Convention. The Tánaiste's response is facile, in my view. There are four reports outstanding from the Constitutional Convention. The matter of the convention has been raised repeatedly at meetings of the Whips. With all due respect to the Government Chief Whip, it is not his fault nor the fault of the Whips that the reports have not been forthcoming. It is our clear understanding that they are not forthcoming because the Departments have not given them the priority they deserve. The Government, who set all the deadlines in respect of the Constitutional Convention and who established it with great fanfare, is now sailing very close to the wind in terms of what I would regard as the contempt with which it is treating the recommendations of the Constitutional Convention.
Comment on this
The Government is holding two referendums in the first half of this year in respect of the recommendations of the Constitutional Convention. These are very important referendums which will need to be addressed by all citizens. The reports of the Constitutional Convention have been extremely useful and valuable additions to political discussion. Deputy Ó Fearghaíl is a Whip, and if he wishes to engage in further discussions on the reports I would be more than happy for him to raise the matter with the Government Chief Whip and have it addressed through that vehicle.
Comment on this
I asked about the Fennelly report.
Comment on this
I apologise to the Deputy. I do not have a date for when Mr. Justice Fennelly will report. The timeframe for the report is to the end of this year, but that is a matter for Mr. Justice Fennelly and I do not have that information.
