Order of business scheduling
Deputy Howlin sought priority for several Bills, especially the Intoxicating Liquor and Employment Bills, so they could pass before more contentious legislation. The Chair noted the bills were scheduled for next week, while the Tánaiste criticised filibustering and urged Members not to hold up legislation.
The debate on the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2017 continued last night until just after 10 p.m. Three other Bills at Final Stage were scheduled for debate which were not reached, one of which was the Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016 from Deputy Alan Kelly, which would allow distilleries and microbreweries, in particular, to sell their wares. We are in the height of the summer season now and it is peak time for breweries and distilleries. Such enterprises are organising tours of these new facilities but they cannot give a sample or allow people to buy the product at the end of the tour.
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People cannot drink on those tours. How would they get home?
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Other Bills, such as the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017 which would regulate and reform banded hours contracts that are important for workers, were also due to be discussed. Some Members might have an interest in that legislation. These matters, along with the Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016, were listed last week and again this week. While this is fundamentally a matter for the Business Committee, I ask that these Bills, which will pass readily, be listed as a priority before other legislation next week.
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The Tánaiste will have to ask for permission from Deputy Ross first.
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I ask that those Bills be scheduled before Bills that might be likely to attract a lot of debate.
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The Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016 is scheduled for next week. Perhaps there is an irony in that.
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Those who are involved in the Intoxicating Liquor (Breweries and Distilleries) Bill 2016 understand the differences between the two because they are genuinely different issues. On the ongoing saga of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 2017, the Members who are filibustering on it should reflect on the impact their tactics are having on other important legislation which is being delayed. I do not want to start pointing the finger at people, but if we continue to behave like this we will make a farce of this House.