I have notice from Senator O'Toole that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
Recognising the fact that a married person who works for his or her spouse who is a sole trader is designated as a class M or a class K worker, the need for the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, in the context of equity, fairness and equality, to give a rational explanation why this is not invidious discrimination and why such people should be deprived of social benefits, including maternity benefit, disability benefit and State contributory pension.
I have also received notice from Senator Browne of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to clarify whether he is aware of the major historical importance of Brownshill Dolmen, Hacketstown Road, Carlow, and whether he has any plans to improve the facilities for visitors at the site.
I have also received notice from Senator White of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Finance to rectify the current unfair situation regarding retirement in the public sector, by extending to all serving public sector employees the entitlement to work beyond 65 years of age, which is currently applicable only to public sector employees who joined after 1 April 2004, and to remove the exemption contained in the Employment Equality Act 1998 that allows employers to set retirement ages in employment contracts.
I have also received notice from SenatorCummins of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Science to provide adequate resources to allow the City of Waterford Vocational Education Committee to continue its programme for adult and community education in Waterford.
I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected the matters raised by Senators O'Toole, Browne and White and they will be taken at the conclusion of business. SenatorCummins may give notice on another day of the matter he wishes to raise.