Da´Il E´Ireann
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
Vol. 679 Tuesday, No. 1 31 March 2009 DI´OSPO´ IREACHTAI´ PARLAIMINTE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES DA´ IL E´ IREANN TUAIRISC OIFIGIU´ IL—Neamhcheartaithe (OFFICIAL REPORT—Unrevised) Tuesday, 31 March 2009. Business of Da´il……………………………… 1 Ceisteanna—Questions Taoiseach ………………………………… 2 Minister for Health and Children Priority Questions …………………………… 14 Other Questions …………………………… 22 Adjournment Debate Matters …………………………… 31 Leaders’ Questions ……………………………… 31 Requests to move Adjournment of Da´il under Standing Order 32 ……………… 36 Order of Business ……………………………… 36 Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2008 [Seanad]: Second Stage (resumed) ………… 43 Private Members’ Business Social Welfare: Motion …………………………… 66 Adjournment Debate Hospital Services ……………………………… 90 Draft Net Fishing ……………………………… 94 Schools Accommodation …………………………… 96 Questions: Written Answers …………………………… 99 DA´ IL E´ IREANN DI´OSPO´ IREACHTAI´ PARLAIMINTE PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES TUAIRISC OIFIGIU´ IL OFFICIAL REPORT Imleabhar 679 Volume 679 De´ Ma´irt, 31 Ma´rta 2009. Tuesday, 31 March 2009. ———— Chuaigh an Ceann Comhairle i gceannas ar 2.30 p.m. ———— Paidir. Prayer. ———— Business of Da´il. Deputy Finian McGrath: On a point of order, is it in order to ask the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health and Children to withdraw the proposal to cut funding for the cystic fibrosis unit at St. Vincent’s Hospital? An Ceann Comhairle: That is completely out of order. There are no circumstances under which the Deputy can proceed with it. Deputy Finian McGrath: This is a major issue for 1,135 families who are genuinely—— An Ceann Comhairle: I will ask the Deputy to leave the House if he persists. This is the Taoiseach’s Question Time. Deputy Finian McGrath: ——upset by Friday’s cut. An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy cannot raise that matter now. Deputy Finian McGrath: Out of respect to the Ceann Comhairle, I want to put on the record of the House this criminal cut. It was a disgrace and totally out of order. I would like to walk out in the interest—— A Deputy: It is a matter for a question to the Minister, a Cheann Comhairle. 1 Ceisteanna — 31 March 2009. Questions An Ceann Comhairle: It is unprecedented and under no circumstances can it be allowed. This constitutes a gross disorder. Deputy Finian McGrath: I wish to walk out. Deputy James Reilly: It is a matter for a question to the Minister. An Ceann Comhairle: This constitutes a gross disorder and I ask Deputy McGrath to resume his seat. Deputy Finian McGrath: I will walk out in protest—— An Ceann Comhairle: This is entirely without precedent. Deputy Finian McGrath: ——as it is disgraceful that—— An Ceann Comhairle: He will have to do so as he cannot raise this issue now. Deputy Finian McGrath: This is disgraceful. An Ceann Comhairle: There are no circumstances under which it could be allowed. A precedent—— Deputy Enda Kenny: That is very hard on him. Deputy James Reilly: To be helpful, it is a question to the Minister later. An Ceann Comhairle: That is not a bit helpful. Deputy James Reilly: I shall not try to be helpful again. Ceisteanna — Questions. ———— Departmental Staff. 1. Deputy Enda Kenny asked the Taoiseach the number of staff employed in the Govern- ment Information Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8424/09] 2. Deputy Eamon Gilmore asked the Taoiseach the staffing levels in the Government Infor- mation Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9620/09] 3. D’fhiafraigh Deputy Caoimhghı´nO´ Caola´in den Taoiseach ce´nme´id duine ata´ fostaithe ag Seirbhı´s Eolais an Rialtais. [9854/09] The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 to 3, inclusive, together. The number of staff employed in the Government Information Service, the Government Press Office and the communications unit is 15, ten of whom are civil servants. They are as follows: the Government press secretary, two deputy Government press secretaries, three Government press officers, a departmental information officer and eight clerical staff. The Government Press Office and the Government Information Service provide an infor- mation service on Government policy to the public through the national and international media on behalf of myself, my Department and the Government. It also promotes a co- ordinated approach to media matters across all Departments. 2 Ceisteanna — 31 March 2009. Questions The Government Press Office issues press releases and speeches to the media, briefs political correspondents, organises photocalls, information campaigns and ministerial representation on current affairs programmes. It disseminates information to the domestic and international media on the web and via e-mail. The Government Press Office and the Government Infor- mation Service, in conjunction with the Department of Foreign Affairs, organises and manages the media aspects of State visits and major State occasions. Staff in the Government Press Office and departmental press officers are available after hours and at weekends to answer media queries. Deputy Enda Kenny: While I did not catch it all, last November the Taoiseach stated he was to explore the appointment of a single provider of information across all Departments as a cost-cutting measure and as a cost-saving device. In recent week, every Minister has been talking about this proposal. Has the Taoiseach decided on a single information provider across all Departments that will go towards reducing the costs of the service being provided? What cost will be saved and when will it be implemented? Deputy Pa´draic McCormack: There has been a walkout of Ministers. The Taoiseach: No decision has been made in respect of any reviews that are taking place at present. I recall a previous parliamentary question in which information to some effect was given to the Deputy. I must check it as I do not have to hand that supplementary information. Deputy Enda Kenny: I hope this is one small measure that can be included in next Tuesday’s budget and that a decision can be made by whoever is in a position to do this. In respect of the Government Information Service and leaving aside the issue regarding the matter raised publically last week that received much attention, it appears as though the Government press secretary did contact the national television broadcaster regarding an apol- ogy to the Taoiseach in respect of a matter that took place in the National Gallery. Was this the case? Did the Government press officer contact the national broadcaster, RTE? An Ceann Comhairle: In all honesty Deputy Kenny—— Deputy Enda Kenny: What does the Ceann Comhairle mean? An Ceann Comhairle: ——this question is about the number of staff employed and staffing levels in the Government Information Service. Deputy Enda Kenny: I refer to one of the staff. An Ceann Comhairle: We will not go into that. The Deputy will ask what they had for their breakfast next. Deputy Pa´draic McCormack: Hang on. An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy Kenny should ask a question that is relevant. Deputy Enda Kenny: I have no intention of asking what they had for their breakfast. Deputy David Stanton: It was about the work they do. An Ceann Comhairle: I ask Deputy Kenny to please ask a question that is relevant. Deputy Enda Kenny: I have no intention of asking about their breakfast or any other meal. 3 Ceisteanna — 31 March 2009. Questions An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy should ask a question that is relevant. We must stay within the ambit of the question. Deputy Enda Kenny: I am asking the Taoiseach in respect of—— Deputy Pa´draic McCormack: The Ceann Comhairle should give the Deputy a chance. Deputy Enda Kenny: The Taoiseach read out what the Government Information Service does—— An Ceann Comhairle: Look—— Deputy Enda Kenny: —— such as arranging for photocalls and so on in respect of Govern- ment coverage, which is right and proper. I am asking a legitimate question about an officer who is appointed as part of the Government Information Service and I wish to know whether the Government press secretary contacted the national broadcaster to state that what it had done to the Taoiseach was wrong and that it should apologise. An Ceann Comhairle: It is up to the Taoiseach himself but this is not in order. Deputy Pa´draic McCormack: All the Deputy seeks are the bare facts. An Ceann Comhairle: Then I strongly suggest that he tables the bare question. Deputy Enda Kenny: The Taoiseach is waiting to reply. The Taoiseach: Well done Deputy McCormack. That was one of his better efforts. As for the press secretary, he was not acting on my instruction or that of any Minister and nor did he seek an apology, as RTE itself decided to do that. Deputy James Reilly: Did he make contact? An Ceann Comhairle: While I will come back to Deputy Kenny, he has had his supplemen- tary questions. Deputy Burton is next. Deputy Enda Kenny: The Taoiseach is confirming that the Government press secretary—— An Ceann Comhairle: I will return to Deputy Kenny. Deputy Burton is next. Deputy Enda Kenny: The Taoiseach is confirming that he did contact the national broadcaster. An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy Burton is next. I will come back to Deputy Kenny. Deputy Enda Kenny: Can the Taoiseach confirm that he did make contact with the national broadcaster? Deputy James Reilly: We are halfway there, a Cheann Comhairle. The Taoiseach: That is well known. Just as with Deputy Kenny’s own press officers, there is a fair bit of contact between them. An Ceann Comhairle: Deputy Burton is next—— Deputy Enda Kenny: That is all justified. 4 Ceisteanna — 31 March 2009. Questions An Ceann Comhairle: ——and the Deputies can have a chat about it afterwards. The Taoiseach: When Deputy Kenny’s man does it, it is justified but when my man does it, it is not justified.