Order of Business
The Taoiseach replies to the opening business objections, saying the defective-blocks cap changes will be retrospective, an update will be sought on Bacik’s legislation, and serious issues remain on the Gaza-related matters. The House then returns to whether the Order of Business is agreed, and it is not.
I thank the Ceann Comhairle. Responding to Deputy Mac Lochlainn, the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, assures me that the changes that are being brought in with regard to that cap level will be retrospective to those within the scheme.
I want the Deputy's constituents to know that, and I know Deputy Pringle's bona fides on this. It will take a period of time to draft the amendment. I will ask the Minister to directly clarify with Deputy Pringle in relation to the timeline. Any changes that are made in relation that cap will be retrospective for those in this scheme.
Comment on this
Before the election. Will this be before the election?
Comment on this
The Taoiseach has the control over that-----
Comment on this
I have control within constitutional parameters. I am not making light of a very serious issue and I do take that point. I will ask the Minister, Deputy O'Brien, to engage with the Deputy directly.
Deputy Bacik asked about legislation. I have asked the Attorney General to look at that. I will get the Deputy an update in this Dáil, yes. Let me see if I can get that update quite quickly. I am happy to engage with Deputy Bacik directly in relation to that.
The point I am making to Deputy Gannon - I do not have much time to be too expansive on this - is that there are serious issues with the current legislation, the occupied territories Bill, and that is fine as nobody suggests legislation that comes forward is perfect. The context has changed. It has been the advice of successive Attorney Generals - this is truth to the matter - that whether or not the Government wanted to pass the Bill it could not. The International Court of Justice, ICJ, has changed the context. Formal advices will be provided to the Government next week as to what that may look like. I am saying very honestly that we will then engage in good faith with the Opposition on what the next steps might look like. I would be in a position to maybe be more fulsome on this next week. With regard to Deputy Pringle's suggestion about being able to debate it in the Dáil or whether to have a briefing, or whatever is most appropriate, we are happy to do that.
On Deputy Murphy's suggestion, I understand that the Minister, Deputy Ryan, has agreed to have a debate and, I have been told by the Whip, is certainly happy to have a debate on that issue of munitions. The Minister is not here at the moment as he is attending the Energy Council. There are some transport questions this week that will be taken by the Minister of State, Deputy Lawless. I suggest we just work with the Minister. He will have that debate but he is not here at the moment as he is at the Energy Council. I am happy to schedule that.
I take seriously Deputy McGrath's points on the challenges facing the hospitality sector and its cost base. We can have a debate another time on some of the things we have done in trying to assist in that budget. From the point of view of the Dáil Order of Business this week there is significant time through a Private Members' motion being given to debate that issue this week. There will be an opportunity when we debate the Finance Bill to consider these matters too.