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Deputy Micheál Martin:   I do not want to delay proceedings further, but I ask the Taoiseach to clarify whether there will be time for questions and answers after each Minister's contribution, which is what was suggested earlier.
The Taoiseach: This matter was agreed to yesterday over the telephone with Deputies Seán Ó Fearghaíl and Aengus Ó Snodaigh. Then Fianna Fáil wanted to change the arrangement again, which is why I read out a revised Order of Business today in order that Opposition spokespersons could come in directly after Ministers. That is why it was changed, despite the fact that it had been agreed to by the Fianna Fáil Whip yesterday over the telephone.
Deputy Micheál Martin: In fairness, that is not happening in the case of the Ministers for Health, the Environment, Community and Local Government and Children and Youth Affairs. Our spokespersons will not come in on the issues of health, the environment and children, mainly because of the availability of Ministers and so forth. That will not actually happen, even though the Taoiseach mentioned that there would be questions and answers.
The Taoiseach: This was agreed to yesterday. Then the Deputy wanted it to be changed and I have changed it for him.
Deputy Micheál Martin: Yes, but the Taoiseach mentioned that there would be questions and answers. I take it that-----
The Taoiseach: No. We are now going to have statements.
Deputy Micheál Martin: Just statements.
The Taoiseach: There will be plenty of time to ask plenty of questions.
Deputy Barry Cowen: We cannot ask questions.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: I received no notice of any of this. I am now going to go ahead.
The Taoiseach: Deputy Barry Cowen should calm down.
Deputy Barry Cowen: Of course, we cannot question the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. He is bringing in water charges, about which we cannot ask questions.
(Interruptions).
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle: Order, please.
Deputy Barry Cowen: The Government doesn't want to be reminded of that matter.
Deputy James Bannon: The Deputy should go back to his brother.
The Taoiseach: Deputy Cowen was one of the good ones.
Government's Priorities for the Year Ahead: Statements
The Taoiseach: I am happy to have this opportunity to inform the House of the Government's priorities for the year ahead. This comes on the same day as the Government has published its third annual report, After the Bailout, which catalogues the substantial progress it has made since 2011. When this Government of Fine Gael and the Labour Party entered office, we faced the toxic legacy of years of economic mismanagement. Ireland faced an enormous economic, financial and social crisis. Unemployment was reaching record highs; the public finances were out of control and our international reputation was in tatters. The nation had to endure the ignominy of a bailout from the European Union and the IMF to keep the economy and the country afloat.
The first task facing the Government was to restore financial stability and return the economy to growth in order for Ireland to successfully exit the EU-IMF bailout. Thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of the people, that central national objective has been achieved. On 15 December 2013 Ireland left the bailout programme. |
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