There is a commitment in the programme for Government to the establishment of a public sector pay commission to review public pay, with an emphasis particularly on lower paid public servants. There has been much angst about young teachers, young gardaí and young health personnel on low levels of remuneration. Will the Taoiseach confirm when the commission will be established? Will the Dáil be consulted on the commission’s membership and terms of reference?

When will the legislation to implement the European victims of crime directive be brought before the House? It would strengthen the rights, supports and protection of victims of crime. Will the Taoiseach indicate the time schedule for implementation?

Revised education and health Estimates will be debated by the House this week. There is a commitment in the programme for Government to policy-proofing as a means of advancing equality, reducing poverty and strengthening economic and social rights. When will that process be initiated? Will the Taoiseach outline the nature of the process?

Will the Taoiseach indicate when the legislation to suspend water charges will be brought before the House?

On the public pay question raised by Deputy Micheál Martin, the Minister is bound to discuss with all of those who signed the Lansdowne Road agreement on public pay then follow through on it. He is actually doing this.

Over the next couple of weeks he will make his intentions, and their details, known to everybody.

In respect of the victims of crime directive, this matter is being treated as a priority by the Minister for Justice and Equality and it has been raised both with the Policing Authority and with the Garda Commissioner.

The question of water was approved by the Government this morning at its Cabinet meeting. While the arrangements for taking Dáil business are now somewhat changed, with the 60%-40% ruling, I expect the Whip will make arrangements for that to be brought in - probably next week, I would think, if that is possible. We said we would make this arrangement as quickly as possible, so I expect it will be next week for the water issue.

In respect of the poverty issue, this is obviously a matter of legislative priority for Government but there are also issues like water, the IBRC issue, which we mentioned before, and the question of drugs and the Department of Health. There are also a small number of other issues of real priority on which I would like to see co-operation in the House in order to move some of them through before the House rises for the summer recess.