I have received notice from Senator Denis Landy that, on the motion for the commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Finance to discuss the current Internet bank charge rates in the major Irish banks, clarify what controls are in place via the Central Bank to protect consumers against inappropriate charging mechanisms and ensure charging rates are advertised in a simplified and clear fashion so as to prevent confusion among consumers.
I have also received notice from Senator James Heffernan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the measures being taken to tackle organised crime in the country.
I have also received notice from Senator Diarmuid Wilson of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to outline the plans he has to replace 140 jobs that will be lost with the closure of Bose in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.
I have also received notice from Marie Moloney of the following matter:
The need for the Department of Social Protection to cease the practice of means testing and surveying recipients of benefit payments and those who are not claiming a qualified adult payment such as the illness benefit payment.
I have also received notice from David Cullinane of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to update the House on the status of the technical university for the south east and outline what, if any, steps have been taken since the withdrawal of Waterford Institute of Technology from the process to advance the project.
I have also received notice from Martin Conway of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Finance to provide for an exemption from motor tax and vehicle registration tax for drivers of passengers who are blind or have a visual impairment.
I have also received notice from Fidelma Healy Eames of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the appeals process and safeguards for students under the new proposed teacher assessment model for the junior certificate programme in the event of a grade dispute and if she would consider paying teachers a stipend to carry out the assessment role.
I have also received notice from Colm Burke of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to clarify the current position on the introduction of legislation to allow the courts to grant periodic payments to those who have suffered an injury as a result of medical negligence.
I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Denis Landy, James Heffernan, Diarmuid Wilson and Marie Moloney and they will be taken now. Senators David Cullinane, Martin Conway, Fidelma Healy Eames and Colm Burke may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.