All-Party Committee on the Constitution.

1. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he has received the recent report on the Judiciary by the All-Party Committee on the Constitution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25072/99]

An Ceann Comhairle: Thank you. I wish to convey my thanks to other Members who sent me good wishes; in particular, I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the panel of chairmen for all their help in the past week or so.

Mr. Quinn: Hear, hear.

Mr. J. Bruton: Well said.

The Taoiseach: I welcome the Fourth Progress Report on the Courts and the Judiciary, published by the All-Party Committee on the Constitution on Wednesday, 24 November 1999. The report recommends a number of changes to the Constitution which require serious consideration.

The crucial recommendations made by the committee relate to issues such as the establishment of a judicial council and the reform of the current impeachment procedure.

The report will be considered in detail by the Government at an early opportunity.

Mr. J. Bruton: Does the Taoiseach agree, in principle, that there should be a judicial code of ethics and a new procedure for impeachment, which would allow one House to investigate a charge made in another House of the Oireachtas and for the judge concerned to appear in any proceeding to defend his or her position?

The Taoiseach: Deputy Bruton will appreciate the Government has not examined the report yet. However, in the spirit in which he put the question, the report - most of which I have had the opportunity to read - seems excellent. It seems to be well thought out in principle. This arose from the situation last May. It would have created great difficulties. At that stage, the Ceann Comhairle wrote to me and others and we asked the all-party committee to look at it. There are recommendations on judicial conduct, removal of judges, appointment of judges and security of tenure in what seems to be an excellent report. In principle, the answer is "yes".

Mr. J. Bruton: Does the Taoiseach agree that what the committee has tried to do, and what the House will eventually have to try to do, is to strike the right balance between accountability and independence and that both considerations will have to be weighed against each other at all stages? Will he indicate to the House the timeframe for the Government's consideration of this excellent report? Within broad limits, when does he expect to come to the House with the Government's considered view on these matters?

The Taoiseach: The memorandum for the Government is being prepared. I hope the report will be before the Government in January. The Attorney General will, obviously, also have a big input into this. There are many parts to the report but the establishment of the judicial council and the reform of the current impeachment procedure - which is what the report arose from - are the two most significant issues. However, the memorandum will cover all the issues involved, such as appointments and transparency.

I agree with Deputy Bruton. This is a difficult area but a great deal of time has elapsed since the original Article 35.2 was drafted. Our courts are far larger and more complex today, although some of the principles do not change. Article 35.2 states, "All judges shall be independent in the exercise of their judicial functions and subject only to this Constitution and the law". The report sets out the difficulties that can arise. One of the issues we will have to look at very carefully in regard to judicial conduct is having a lay element on that council. That issue was well debated in public in the middle of the year. I am conscious it is a fundamental change, but it is hard to argue against it.

Mr. J. Bruton: Does the Taoiseach agree that, as a result of what is known colloquially as the "compo culture", the courts are acquiring an ever closer resemblance to a cross between a cattle market and a stock exchange, where discussions on how much money "A" will get and who will hold out for more are conducted by those congregating on the steps of the court before the case goes to hearing? The procedure does not necessarily give the system of justice the good repute we would wish. In addition to tackling the issue of the appointment and accountability of judges, we need to deal with the compensation culture which is causing, to a degree, a perversion of the true nature of justice in a democracy such as ours. The pursuit of money and claims, which while legal are not necessarily just, is taking over from the true role of defending the liberties of the citizen.

The Taoiseach: We are moving a little away from the subject matter of the question and the report. There is grave concern about this issue. Members are aware that the compensation culture has spread to many areas and it is an enormously serious problem. A recent report rated countries in order of compensation awards. In 1980, Ireland was at the bottom of this table but was fighting for top place in 1999.

Mr. J. Bruton: Top of the pops for compo.

The Taoiseach: This is of major concern. There have also been recent cases involving the medical profession. In 1975, having returned from a conference in America, an eminent physician who, unfortunately, is deceased, informed me of medical legal insurance about which I knew nothing as it was unheard of at the time. He predicted that if we continued as we were going this would be an enormous problem for the medical profession in 20 years.

Mr. J. Bruton: Was it Senator Alton?

The Taoiseach: Yes. Unfortunately, he was shown to be correct.

Mr. Quinn: Has the Government referred to this committee proposals to change the way in which the Oireachtas determines the budget?

The Taoiseach: No.

The Taoiseach: Does the Taoiseach consider it appropriate that the Minister for Finance has written to congress? We do not know the contents of the letter as yet and I suspect the Taoiseach does not know either, but there are fears that the social partners have been asked to cast budget No. 6 on the basis of today's letter.

An Ceann Comhairle: I do not see how this matter is relevant.

Mr. Quinn: It refers to the constitutional role of this House.

An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy should ask a question on the report of the all-party committee.

Mr. Quinn: We ranged over Senator Alton's musings on what would happen to medical legal insurance, compo culture and other matters.

An Ceann Comhairle: We should not introduce budgetary matters as they are not relevant to the question.

Mr. Quinn: They are being introduced into every other forum in the country, a Cheann Comhairle, and I welcome you back to the House. Will you allow me to ask one more question on this matter?

An Ceann Comhairle: Only if it is relevant to the question.

Mr. J. Bruton: This is covered by Question No. 5 concerning the Government's rejection of the NESC report.

Mr. Quinn: My question is relevant to the constitutional role of this House. Is the Taoiseach aware of the contents of the letter sent to congress and, on the basis of that letter, does he propose to request the Minister for Finance to come into the House on the last full sitting day of the millennium to outline, in a constitutional way, which budget we are speaking about?

An Ceann Comhairle: That question is not relevant.

Mr. J. Bruton: The Minister will be wearing sack cloth and ashes designed by Louis Copeland.

An Ceann Comhairle: This question refers to the report on the Judiciary by the all-party committee which had no function in the budget.

Mr. Quinn: Then it is about the only group that was not involved.

IFSC Development Strategy.

2. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he will report on progress made by his Department in implementing the strategy document on the IFSC which he launched in March 1999; the role his Department is playing in implementing and monitoring the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25074/99]

The Taoiseach: I launched the Government's strategy for the development of the international financial services industry in Ireland last March. The strategy sets out a vision for the development of the international financial services industry in Ireland, building on the success of the IFSC. It also provides a comprehensive implementation plan based around 19 priorities. Following the strategy's publication, I spoke at a seminar in Dublin Castle on 18 June for industry members and the public sector.

While the implementation of individual commitments remains a matter for each responsible Department or agency, a public sector group chaired by my Department is co-ordinating and monitoring progress. In addition, the IFSC clearing house group and working groups bring together industry representatives with the different Departments and agencies to implement the strategy and address other relevant issues.

A progress report on the implementation of the strategy is being prepared by the IFSC clearing house group. I expect that this will be completed by the end of this year and submitted to Government early in the new year. This will show good progress with the priority actions outlined in the strategy and this is reflected in the continued growth and development of the centre.

Mr. J. Bruton: Will the Taoiseach agree that the financial services industry is steadily moving away from the less well off? Will he also agree that, increasingly, it is only those with computers who can avail of Internet banking and those who are adept at using the new financial instruments created by the financial services sector who will be able to get the full benefit from the banking system? Is the Taoiseach aware that Allied Irish Banks is closing its Ballyfermot branch which serves a large suburb of Dublin that will no longer have a branch of the largest bank in the State? Does the Taoiseach agree that social division is being sown by the priorities espoused by the financial services industry and the manner in which it does its business?

The Taoiseach: Much as I would like to talk about the AIB Ballyfermot branch which is in my constituency, this question relates to the IFSC and I do not wish to comment on domestic banks. The IFSC has continued to be a tremendous success with 2,000 new jobs being created this year. The centre has continued to devise and implement new strategies. Domestic users do not avail of the IFSC, and its mechanisms and systems are not easily understood by the public. However, the centre is doing a good job as an international centre competing against European and other markets. The IFSC's success can be seen from its rapid development, and excellent initiatives have been created. This has been another very successful year and a remarkably successful decade for the IFSC.

Mr. J. Bruton: Will the Taoiseach agree there is a need for intervention at international level to ensure that there is a public service element in banking just as in transport and other essential services? If our banking sector is solely driven by the needs of the biggest customers with the largest amounts of money, banking will become an instrument of social division and exclusion as other services have become? Does the Taoiseach agree that the Government, the EU or some other institution needs to devise some method of ensuring that minimum services are provided for the least well off by the financial services sector, whether international or local?

The Taoiseach: The IFSC is an international services industry and must compete internationally in a global market with new devices and mechanisms. It is doing so very well and there are 8,500 jobs which would not exist otherwise. I have no difficulty agreeing with the Deputy's comments on domestic banks. They should provide a service and be conscious of the local nature of their business. Banks would argue that an enormous amount of their resources are designed to make that relevant but this does not relate to the question. However, banks are vitally important to local communities.

Mr. Quinn: Will the Taoiseach agree that in many parts of the country credit unions have become the community banking service and, through the new credit union legislation, they provide a range of services which they could not offer previously? However, the outstanding matter of taxation of deposits and dividends is at issue and, if this matter was resolved, credit unions would be able to fill the gaps that AIB and others are creating. Is the Taoiseach aware that the Minister for Finance has refused to meet the credit unions on more than six occasions in the past year and that they have brought forward proposals-----

An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy is widening the scope of the question.

The Taoiseach: There is no doubt that the credit union movement is an excellent organisation.

Mr. Quinn: The one person it cannot meet is the Minister for Finance.

The Taoiseach: The credit union movement operates in a spectacularly favourable regime.

Mr. Quinn: Which it wants to change.

The Taoiseach: The Deputy and I can take credit for this as we both introduced Finance Bills, but I often wonder if it is in the best interests of credit unions.

Strategy Statement.

3. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach if he has satisfied himself with the progress on the key issues for the implementation of his Department's strategy statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25075/99]

4. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the progress, if any, made to formulate the legislative and administrative priorities of his Department for 2000; and the achievements of the 1999 programme. [25081/99]

The Taoiseach: I propose to take Questions Nos. 3 and 4 together. My Department's strategy statement covering the period 1998 - 2001 was laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas on 1 May 1998. The major goals for the Department set out in it, may be summarised as follows: facilitating the efficient functioning of Government; achieving and maintaining lasting peace on the island of Ireland and the realisation of a new agreed three stranded political settlement; developing a strategic focus for this country's interests and image at international level; working with the social partners to develop and implement national programmes of economic and social development; and the ongoing development of an efficient public service.

As will be clear from recent developments and my replies to previous questions in the House, very significant progress has been made in achieving the goals, and work is ongoing on the basis of divisional business plans to achieve these. As part of the overall strategic planning process in my Department, a series of presentations of the business plans to the management advisory committee is currently under way. This will assist in the process of prioritising the work of the Department and the associated resources required. In addition, work is currently under way on a progress report on the strategy statement, as required under section 4 of the Public Service Management Act, 1997. It is anticipated that this work will be completed early in the new year and that copies of the progress report will then be submitted to Government and will, when approved, be laid before both Houses for their information.

On a related point, the strategic management initiative division of my Department is charged with the ongoing development of an efficient public service which delivers excellent services and in which authority, responsibility and accountability are clearly set out at all levels. The SMI is now moving from design to implementation, and a number of key priorities have been identified for current and future work. These are deepening the quality customer service initiative; the regulatory reform action programme; freedom of information; new financial management systems; human resource management issues, including performance management and recruitment; and gender equality. I am happy with the progress which is being made with regard to all of these areas.

In addition, my Department has undertaken a comprehensive programme of financial management reform during 1999. This programme includes the implementation of the reforms set out in the strategic management initiative and approved by the Government during 1999, an examination of how greater value for money can be obtained from administrative expenditure, and an assessment of how information technology can be better deployed to improve the service provided by the finance unit. Professional advice has been engaged to assist with the reform process. In response to the legislative priorities of my Department for 2000, drafting of a Bill to place the National Economic and Social Council and the National Economic and Social Forum on a statutory footing is at an advanced stage. It is expected that this Bill will be published early in 2000.

Overall, I consider that my Department has made a significant contribution to moving the agenda forward in relation to the key areas set out in the Department's strategy statement and I am satisfied with its performance.

Mr. J. Bruton: The Taoiseach identified the first function of his Department under the strategic management initiative as facilitating the efficient functioning of Government. In that context, what role did the Department of the Taoiseach play in framing Budget 2000?

Mr. Quinn: Which one?

Mr. J. Bruton: Does the Taoiseach think the targets for facilitating the efficient functioning of Government were achieved in that regard, given the budget has been revised for the third time in two weeks?

The Taoiseach: The Department of the Taoiseach played the same role in framing the budget as it does every year and it will continue to do so. I wish to correct the Deputy regarding his notion that there has been a further revision. In the context of negotiations on what will I hope be a successful new programme, the Government, like the social partners, must take account of the issues on the agenda. That will have to be negotiated in the early months of next year.

Mr. J. Bruton: Was the addition of £125 million to the budget deficit to compensate spouses in the home for being unable to freely transfer tax allowances, as was previously the case, prompted by the social partners? Given that the strategic management initiative refers to the measurement of success against quantifiable targets, what financial envelope is being provided in the ongoing negotiations with social partners? Is a particular sum available to alter or add to budget 2000?

The Taoiseach: No sum is being provided for any amendments. As regards what will happen over three years, the process is confidential. However, the Department of Finance has presented the social partners with what it believes the financial position will be in that three years. We must be prudent and keep within those parameters so we can continue the excellent economic growth achieved in the past ten to 12 years. At the start of the decade we had a high current budget deficit, an extraordinarily high Exchequer borrowing requirement, very low economic growth and along with Belgium, the highest Government debt-GDP ratio in the EU. We are ending the decade without a current budget deficit, Exchequer borrowing requirement, or requirement for capital borrowing and with the third - I hope it will soon be the second - lowest debt-GDP ratio in the EU and the highest economic growth, not only in the EU but also in the OECD. The Government and the Minister for Finance are conscious of maintaining this excellent position which the Minister has helped to bring about.

An Ceann Comhairle: I would discourage any intrusion into the budget debate proper on Question Time.

Mr. J. Bruton: The Taoiseach will accept I am familiar with the good statistics he quoted, to which I contributed as Taoiseach in Government. This was a seamless achievement of successive Governments, not of one, as I know the Taoiseach will acknowledge. Does the Taoiseach agree his Department has two key roles - facilitating the efficient functioning of Government and working with the social partners to develop and implement national programmes of economic and social development? With the benefit of hindsight and following due recollection, does the Taoiseach agree it might have been better to have had discussions with the social partners about the increases in allowances, vis-à-vis the widening of bands and the reduction of rates, before introducing the budget rather than having consultations afterwards and announcing it as a tablet of stone only to find that it is now a lump of clay?

An Ceann Comhairle: As I have pointed out, we cannot have a prolonged discussion on this matter. I will allow the Taoiseach a final reply.

Mr. J. Bruton: I accept that hindsight is an exact science and the Taoiseach is as good at it as anyone else. On reflection, does he think he might have better fulfilled the strategic management goals of his Department, including the official functioning of Government and working with the social partners, if they had been consulted about the broad lines of the tax policy in the budget before rather than after?

The Taoiseach: I would be glad to give a long reply if this was a debate on the issue. That would have been an interesting discussion if the social partners had not made it absolutely clear that the provisions of the budget would not be credited in the next round of talks. Therefore, that discussion was not relevant. It was clear to the social partners that most of the commitments given by this Government would continue to be fulfilled.

Mr. J. Bruton: How could one not take account of a three year tax strategy announced by the Minister for Finance, in a three year partnership agreement? Surely there should have been consultations on a three year tax package.

Mr. Quinn: Contradiction after contradiction.

Mr. J. Bruton: The Taoiseach has not adequately answered the question.

An Ceann Comhairle: We must proceed. Does the Deputy have a relevant question?

Mr. J. Bruton: Is the Taoiseach satisfied there are adequate quantifiable and quantified measures of performance in his Department and its strategy statement? Does he agree that some of the statements contained in that document are so general and philosophical that they do not allow any meaningful monitoring of success?

The Taoiseach: The SMI strategy from the time of its launch in 1992 has been to try to get civil servants to become involved in the formulation of policies. It was felt there should be direct Governmental and departmental involvement in agreeing a programme so that the priority of the Taoiseach's Department would be to use more of its resources to follow these practices rather than the normal legislative practice. In so far as it is possible to do so, both in terms of the strategy statement worked out by the officeholder and in the goals set down, I am trying to motivate staff at all levels in order to make the job more interesting and realistic. The strategy may not be perfect but we will continue to look at ways to improve it. This is a new practice and I am confident the implementation of the strategy in identifying our goals and objectives is working well.

NESC Reports.

5. Mr. J. Bruton asked the Taoiseach the new reports, if any, commissioned from the NESC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26871/99]

The Taoiseach: The National Economic and Social Council is now entering a new cycle of work following the completion of its strategy report. The council will meet in the new year to decide on its future work programme. It is envisaged this will include work on a study benchmarking Irish progress in a number of areas of strategic importance, both over time and by comparison with other countries. The issues to be addressed will be a matter for the council to decide, but I understand that the work programme is likely to include a report on profitability in the economy and associated policy issues. I have no plans at this time to commission a specific report from the council.

Mr. J. Bruton: Why did the Taoiseach ignore the NESC report in regard to increasing allowances rather than concentrating on bands and rates in drawing up the budget?

The Taoiseach: I have already made a statement on new reports commissioned from the NESC.

Mr. J. Bruton: Will the Taoiseach agree that it is demoralising for NESC in regard to future reports if it finds that when it produces a carefully worked out report to achieve social justice in budgetary policy by increasing tax free allowances rather than putting all the weight on bands and rates, that the Government simply bins the NESC report and ignores it as if it was never drawn up? This makes little of the work of the social partners who drew up the report and replaces it with the impressionistic ravings of whoever advised Charlie McCreevy when drawing up the budget.

The Taoiseach: Before the Ceann Comhairle rules the question out of order, I must say I am aghast at what Deputy Bruton has just said. Members will recall that when the NESC report was published some months ago, I had to try to defend those who worked on the report when Deputy Bruton said it was vague, not directed, not coherent and somewhat hopeless. He said he was disappointed and I did my best during Question Time to try to cheer up the Deputy.

Mr. J. Bruton: If the Taoiseach believes so much in the report, why did he ignore it when drawing up the budget? There was just one recommendation in the report, that was that the Minister should go for allowances, not for bands and rates. It was vague in virtually every other area but it was clear on that issue. Why did the Taoiseach ignore the NESC report given that he defended it in this House?

Mr. J. Bruton: Congress does not agree with the Taoiseach.

The Taoiseach: I remind the House that £942 million from State coffers will be returned to people. Workers, members of trades unions and Members of this House will benefit from this.

Mr. J. Bruton: Not the low paid.

The Taoiseach: There will probably be more joy on 5 April when people receive their pay packets than there will be in the new millennium.

(Interruptions).

An Ceann Comhairle: Order, please. The Chair has allowed passing references to the budget. I insist that these passing references do not develop into debating points.

Mr. Quinn: In that case, a Cheann Comhairle, I hesitate to ask this question for fear I might follow the path of the other two speakers and be ruled out of order. In light of his sterling defence of the NESC report, which is the subject matter of the question, why did the Taoiseach admit to members of the executive of congress last Wednesday that in his view the budget was unbalanced?

An Ceann Comhairle: That question is a matter for the budget debate.

Mr. Quinn: It is on the record. It was reported in The Irish Times. I heard from people who attended the meeting that the Taoiseach apologised for his Minister for Finance's budget the previous week.

The Taoiseach: On a point of order, Deputy Quinn asked that question during Question Time yesterday. I did not hear the question at the time. However, I heard the question and the Minister for Finance's reply which was played back at 12.20 a.m. on RTÉ radio, therefore the Deputy knows the answer to the question. On the other issue, Deputy Quinn is correct in some respects but remarkably wrong in relation to matters discussed during the confidential talks which took place. I hope those involved in the talks are not briefing the Deputy.

Mr. J. Bruton: What stick is the Taoiseach waving now?

The Taoiseach: None, I do not need it.

Budget Inquiries.

6. Mr. Quinn asked the Taoiseach the number of inquiries or representations received by the GIS from members of the public regarding the budget since 1 December 1999; the way in which this compares with the volume of calls in previous years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26881/99]

The Taoiseach: The Government Information Service does not maintain records of calls from members of the public regarding the budget nor has it done so in the past. Therefore, I am not in a position to give comparative figures.

Mr. Quinn: Will the Taoiseach agree that what what we are witnessing in terms of continuous concessions to one group after another, without any countervailing measures in relation to overall budgetary arithmetic, at the turn of this century, is the most expensive bail out of a bankrupt political Government this country has ever seen?

An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy must address the question before the House.

Mr. Quinn: The Taoiseach is bailing out this Government with taxpayers' money by conceding to each group which approaches him.

An Ceann Comhairle: The question relates to calls from members of the public to the Government Information Service.

The Taoiseach: If the Ceann Comhairle will allow me to make my last out of order reply of the millennium, I will not make another such reply until the next millennium. We are leaving this millennium having achieved the best financial position the country has ever been in since independence. This is mainly due to this Government and successive Governments in which my party was involved over the last ten years.

Mr. Shatter: I have a brief supplementary.

An Ceann Comhairle: It must be relevant to the question before the House.

Mr. Shatter: It is very relevant. Will the Taoiseach indicate, in the context of the calls referred to in the question, whether account was taken of how many came from irate members of the Fianna Fáil party and whether any were from his backbench colleagues?

An Ceann Comhairle: That is a separate question.

The Taoiseach: Most were from members of the Deputy's party who were told to ring up.

Mr. J. Bruton: It was not necessary to tell anyone to ring up.

(Interruptions).

Crime Levels.

7. Mr. Gormley asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the disparity between Central Statistics Office crime survey statistics and Garda crime figures. [25120/99]

The CSO's report contains estimates of the level of crime over a 12 month period and also includes statistics on how people perceive crime and safety in Ireland today. The report showed that crime had affected one in every eight households over the course of the previous year.

The CSO survey results are not directly comparable with the crime figures published each year by the Garda Síochána. This is because there are fundamental differences in the way the two sets of figures are compiled and classified. While the Garda report provides a detailed breakdown of indictable and non-indictable offences, the CSO survey gives a more aggregated view of the level of crime. The survey results show that not all crimes are reported to the gardaí. For example, almost 95% of vehicle thefts were reported to the gardaí, whereas the level of reporting of vandalism was under 40%. For most other types of crime, about 60% of incidents are reported. The most common reason for not reporting a crime was that it "was not serious enough" or that there was "no financial loss".

These findings are consistent with the results of the ESRI's 1982 survey on crime in Ireland, and with international experience of comparing crime surveys with police statistics.

An Ceann Comhairle: Ceist a h'ocht.

Mr. Gormley: May I come back in? I asked the question.

An Ceann Comhairle: It is unusual on statistical questions but if the Deputy wishes to proceed-----

Mr. Gormley: Is the Minister of State not concerned that almost 40% of crime involving violence was not reported?

An Ceann Comhairle: The Minister of State is purely responsible for statistics. He is not responsible for policy.

Mr. Gormley: Those statistics are very clear; the zero tolerance policy is not working.

Heating Oil Costs.

8. Mr. Currie asked the Taoiseach the cost of 1,000 litres of home heating oil in each of the past five years on 1 December; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27088/99]

Mr. S. Brennan: Information on home heating oil is collected monthly from a sample of suppliers for use in the compilation of the consumer price index. However, for reasons of statistical confidentiality, an average national price is not published.

The following table sets out the estimated trend in prices over the past five years, that is, from December 1994 up to and including October 1999.

Trend in the price of home heating oil Dec. '94 to Oct. '99

Year Index Annual Percentage

Dec 94=100 Change

December 1994 100.0 -

December 1995 100.1 + 0.1%

December 1996 124.1 + 23.9%

December 1997 110.5 - 10.9%

December 1998 90.3 - 18.3%

October 1999* 117.7 + 30.4%

* Latest available data

Mr. Currie: I realise I cannot comment in detail on the information provided, but will the Minister of State agree that the increase in the past year is in the region of 42.7%, in other words, £80 of an increase since this time last year. In those circumstances, will the Minister agree there should be a change in the fuel allowance payable to pensioners which has remained the same since 1986?

An Ceann Comhairle: The Deputy's question is not in order.

Mr. Currie: I am aware of that. I thought my comment would be useful in the circumstances.

An Ceann Comhairle: Comment is not in order either.