Howlin, BrendanWednesday, 21 June 2000 |
Dáil Eireann Debate
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Request to Move Adjournment of Dáil under Standing Order 31.
In accordance with the terms of Standing Order 31, I wish to give notice of my intention to seek the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the following specific and important matter of public interest r...
Order of Business.
In light of the Taoiseach's comments on radio yesterday, does the Government intend to proceed with Mr. O'Flaherty's nomination to the position in the European Investment Bank, notwithstanding the lac...
I am merely seeking the same latitude extended to the Leader of the Fine Gael Party.
I am equally opposed to the proposal. The Labour Party is opposed to taking this legislation before clarity is provided on matters requiring the Taoiseach's explanation. On a more fundamental issue, d...
Is another conclave taking place or are mediators going between the parties in Government? Has the Taoiseach had discussions this morning with the Tánaiste? Do we have a Government? Will the Taoiseach...
May I ask the Taoiseach—
We might avoid a division if you would allow some latitude, Sir.
Will the Taoiseach require an explanation from Mr. O'Flaherty in advance of the decision to appoint him to the European Investment Bank or will he resile yet again from the position he enunciated on r...
On other matters—
The Progressive Democrats have already withdrawn.
We will have our say. We will not be bullied.
On a point of order, the normal procedure in this House is that the main parties in Opposition get an opportunity to raise issues on the Order of Business. That opportunity was not afforded to me this...
No, sir, that is not acceptable. It is not possible to continue with normal business. Surely the Taoiseach can answer major questions, the most basic of which is whether we still have a Government.
The members of the Progressive Democrats Party participated in a vote – they are in the precincts of the House – but they left immediately.
Can the Taoiseach—
It would be surreal, a Cheann Comhairle, to continue with normal business.
I have attempted throughout this process to be orderly but you, Sir, would not allow me to participate on the Order of Business.
That was wrong.
Can I ask a question of the Taoiseach, Sir?
Is it not unprecedented for the spokesperson for each of the parties not to be allowed to make a contribution on the Order of Business?
I was not called this morning. It was not my fault. I offered.
I am now asking for an opportunity to ask a question.
Unfortunately, the Chair is now preventing the Opposition from doing its job.
I do not want that.
We do not have a Dáil if Members are not allowed to raise issues.
On a point of order, has the Chair had an opportunity to consider the point I made before the suspension? I want to be orderly but a number of basic facts must be established, the most pertinent of wh...
I appreciate the Ceann Comhairle's explanation. However, it is grossly unfair that my party was disenfranchised by disorderly behaviour by any other Member. It is most important that the Opposition pa...
It is certainly a matter relevant to the House. My basic point is that it is surreal for the House to continue with normal business when we are not sure at this time if the Government is a cohesive un...
This House, which elects the Government, is being denied an opportunity to reflect on it.
I was not called at all on the Order of Business.
The Minister for diplomacy.
I thank the Ceann Comhairle for facilitating me. He has said repeatedly that there are other ways to address the crucial issues which arose last night and this morning. The Order of Business did not a...
Do not do it.
They then ran out.
There is another vehicle available today. The Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, which issued the original invitation to Mr. O'Flaherty, is meeting this afternoon. Will...
Will you allow the Minister for Education and Science or the Government Chief Whip to give the Government's view on the issue?
The Government has a majority on the committee.
That was on legislation not on the Order of Business.
Perhaps the Chair could indicate if Private Notice Questions will be allowed.
Private Notice Questions. - EIB Appointment.
The Minister is supposed to be accountable. This is most unsatisfactory.
That is appalling arrogance.
The Minister should answer the questions he was asked.
This is most unsatisfactory.
That comment is contemptible.
Will the Minister do the decent thing for once and withdraw the remark?
Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2000: Second Stage.
Perhaps my colleague will forgive me. A wider audience is required for this very important contribution. I call for a quorum. Notice taken that 20 Members were not present; House counted and 20 Member...
The purpose of the Bill is to extend the existing statute law relating to corruption. As such it is an important measure to be welcomed, which I did on its publication. This Bill is not and was never ...
Courts (Supplemental Provisions) (Amendment) Bill, 2000: Second Stage.
Like other Members, I will contribute briefly to this debate. On behalf of the Labour Party, I welcome the Bill and indicate to the Minister and the House that we will support it. It is important that...
On a point of clarification, what legal basis exists to pay that top-up income?
That is the pension element; it is the balance about which I am curious.
Perhaps this matter would be more appropriate to Committee Stage.
The provisions outlined in this Bill relate exclusively to pensions and I am curious as to where the remaining portion of the remuneration is coming from.
Courts (Supplemental Provisions) (Amendment) Bill, 2000: Committee and Remaining Stages.
As the Bill only deals with pensions, the legal position following the date on which the judge reaches his 72nd birthday is that he will simply be entitled to the pension of £45,715. I was somewhat co...
We are clear on the pensions aspect.
The Bill deals with pensions. When Mr. Justice Flood reaches his 72nd birthday next month his income will be halved. I accept the Minister's assurance that this will be addressed by an arrangement whe...
It does not have to be a consultancy fee.
Judges are independent even in retirement.
I am sure Deputy Enright does not wish to be.
Adjournment Debate. - Garda Investigations.
I thank the Ceann Comhairle for allowing me to raise this serious matter on the Adjournment of the Dáil. I am also grateful that the Minister, after a long, difficult and busy day, has made himself av...
Written Answers. - Overseas Missions.
Asked the minister: the plans he has for further opportunities for overseas service by Defence Forces personnel, having regard to the fact that the UNIFIL mandate may be coming to an end; and if he will make a statement ...
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