I have received notice from Senator Fidelma Healy Eames that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to discuss the need to reduce the gap between the teacher appointment and retention figures for primary schools and to revise the teacher appointment guidelines in order that a new primary teacher can be appointed immediately after the 30 September pupil numbers are confirmed by the Department.
I have also received notice from Senator David Norris of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to intervene to address the disastrous situation for wild Irish salmon as a result of overgrowth on riverbanks and the tunnelling effect on rivers which is inhibiting the spawning and development of salmonoids.
I have also received notice from Senator Marc MacSharry of the following matter:
The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to outline the reason Easkey Garda station in County Sligo is to be auctioned next week instead of being provided for the community in the area, as has been the practice elsewhere.
I have also received notice from Senator Katherine Zappone of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on Mr. Ibrahim Halawa's legal case in Egypt and to outline the Government's actions since 4 October 2015, his last trial date, and the trial was adjourned until 15 December.
I have also received notice from Senator David Cullinane of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Social Protection to outline the process in place to support former Waterford Crystal workers who are not members of Unite, who had left Waterford Crystal prior to 1992 and previously settled with the Irish Pensions Trust in 2009 but who believe they are due compensation following the recent EU ruling on accessing compensation.
I have also received notice from Senator Mary Moran of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify the position on teaching practice hours for teachers who are pursuing a master's degree in education and already have contract hours in a school.
I have also received notice from Senator Catherine Noone of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the policy that guides the provision of lessons in various native languages for non-nationals.
I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Fidelma Healy Eames, David Norris, Marc MacSharry and Katherine Zappone and they will be taken now. Senators David Cullinane, Mary Moran and Catherine Noone may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.