I have notice of five two minute statements from Senator Finneran under Standing Order 30. They will be taken now.
Adjournment Matters. - Matters of Concern to Member.
Acting Chairman
I will be brief. I wish to make statements on five issues of importance to the organisations I represent.
Will the Minister for Enterprise and Employment sanction an extension of the community employment scheme for the provision of personal assistance for the disabled at the Resource Centre, Derrane, County Roscommon? This scheme is to cease in one week and strong representations were made to me by representatives of the Resource Centre, personal assistants and disabled people. The Minister for Enterprise and Employment must allow an extension of this scheme. There is a current trend to suspend schemes but that is not appropriate in this case. I ask that the scheme be continued.
The second matter I wish to raise involves the Minister for Health. When will a proper pay structure be put in place for the grade of chartered physiotherapists? What is the up-to-date situation regarding the present negotiations between this group and the Department of Health? I last dealt with the Minister on this matter in December 1996. At that time the informed me that negotiations were ongoing. To my knowledge, however, nothing has come to fruition. This matter is a cause of concern to the grade of health workers in question and I ask the Minister to conclude negotiations and inform me of the outcome.
Will the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications instruct Bord na Móna to continue the harvesting of milled peat at the Bord na Móna Derryfadda works at Ballyforan? This is of vital importance to the west where 20,000 acres of bog are about to be abandoned by Bord na Móna. The permanent workforce of 11 people and 25 seasonal workers have maintained a presence in the bogs and harvested approximately 50,000 tonnes while awaiting a final decision as to whether a power station or briquette factory will be built on the site. In the region of 20,000 acres of unused bog have been drained and readied for harvesting. However, the limited harvest is the only means of income to which the people in the areas of Ballyforan, south Roscommon and east Galway have access. I request that the harvesting of milled peat, which was reintroduced by one of the Minister's predecessors, not be allowed to cease. Until a proper industry is put in place I ask that harvesting of milled peat, which may be used by one of our industries, continue for 1997.
Will the Minister for the Environment sanction and provide necessary funding for the Ballagh/Ballybeg water scheme in County Roscommon? This matter is becoming a thorn in the side of anyone who has had dealings with the group involved. The Minister has had sufficient time since 1993 to deal with this matter. All the relevant documents, contracts and costings have been sent to the Minister. Roscommon County Council has answered every letter sent to it over the past three years. I ask the Minister to allow this scheme to go ahead.
I ask the Minister for the Environment to sanction and provide funding for public sewerage schemes at the villages of Ballintubber, Cloonfad and Ballinagare in County Roscommon. The situation is the same as that which applies to the Ballybeg water scheme. Roscommon County Council has sent all the necessary documents and costings on the Ballintubber and Cloonfad schemes to the Department. I ask the Minister to outline the up-to-date position on the Ballinagare scheme. These matters are being brought to public attention because of strong local representations.
I thank the Leader for being present in the House. I have no doubt he will convey my concerns to the relevant Ministers and I hope a speedy reply will follow.
I compliment Senator Finneran on reviving the practice of raising matters of concern to Members. I undertake to convey the Senator's concerns to the relevant Departments with a request that they are given a speedy and full response.
The Seanad adjourned at 10.35 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Thursday, 6 March 1997.