IBRC investigation legislation
Opposition leaders press for legislation and an outcome concerning Judge Cregan’s IBRC investigation, while the Taoiseach says complex proposals require consultation and careful drafting rather than rushed enactment.
If I may, a Cheann Comhairle, I omitted to mention something in my first contribution. The Taoiseach invited me and other party leaders to a meeting next Tuesday regarding Judge Cregan's investigation into the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation, IBRC, assets. Will there be an outcome before the general election in terms of an inquiry being established? Next week is the last sitting week for the Dáil, so there will not be a chance for debate. We have sent our proposals.
Comment on this
We need to have a rational discussion about this. There are a number of recommendations in respect of serious legislation in that regard and I must talk to Deputy Martin, Deputy Adams and the other leaders about how it will be possible to draft legislation that will be quite complex and which could be objected to - I do not wish to rush something like that through the House - and which will get the answers that every Member of the Oireachtas requires. The commission was set up in good faith on foot of views expressed by Members of the Opposition. Judge Cregan has given his independent view and we must discuss the implications of that. I have written to the party leaders and other Members because we must meet to discuss that and to see what options are available and how best to proceed on this. I wish to engage with Deputy Martin, Deputy Adams and other Members in that regard.
Comment on this
I refer to the issue of emergency legislation in respect of the commission of investigation into the IBRC, the criminal justice (Stormont House Agreement) (implementation) Bill and the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill.
I have huge concerns that what we have just heard from the Taoiseach is him kicking for touch on this issue. I raised the matter of emergency legislation last week.
Comment on this
It is 12 minutes into this and I have only spoken two sentences.
Comment on this
I am a Deputy as well, so let me say my piece.
Comment on this
The Taoiseach has written to me and others. I have read his letter. He says that he put forward legislation the previous time based upon what the parties here said. He rejected every amendment we tabled. We voted against the legislation for exactly the reasons that have been vindicated because we are now in the mess the Taoiseach has created for us. He says he cannot publish the Attorney General's advice. That means he has decided not to. He could publish the advice if he wished. Of course, I would be pleased to meet the Taoiseach and other Opposition leaders, but I have no confidence he is going to deal with this issue.
On the criminal justice (Stormont House Agreement) (implementation) Bill, the key issue relates to dealing with the past. I met last week with the family of Seamus Ludlow who was shot dead by a Unionist paramilitary gang. His case was recommended by the Barron report and the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights in its final report of March 2006 recommended that there be two commissions of investigation. The Government has not moved on that. Will the Government act on the recommendations? Will it agree to implement the joint committee's recommendation to establish the two commissions of investigation?
On the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill, I have asked the Taoiseach for as long as three weeks to set time aside for a debate on the outcome of the Paris climate change conference. We saw with Storm Desmond the impact of climate change on communities, families and small businesses.