I have received notice from Senator Billy Lawless that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the diaspora and international development at the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to set out the plan for advancing the cause of the undocumented Irish and improving links with the diaspora under the new Administration and Congress in the United States.
I have also received notice from Senator Paddy Burke of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to outline how third level education will be funded to ensure the survival and growth of campuses such as the Mayo campus attached to the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology.
I have also received notice from Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to advise on the current status of the building in which Carlow paramedics and ambulance services are located in view of the fact that it was condemned as not fit for purpose and to state if a suitable alternative location will be provided as a matter of urgency.
I have also received notice from Senator Lynn Ruane of the following matter:
The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for communities and the national drugs strategy to discuss the inclusion of a community pillar in the new national drugs and alcohol strategy.
I have also received notice from Senator Robbie Gallagher of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to increase funding for regional and local roads in County Monaghan and throughout rural Ireland to a level commensurate with maintaining roads at an acceptable level.
I have also received notice from Senator Tim Lombard of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to make funding available for the completion of the Bandon bypass.
I have also received notice from Senator Colm Burke of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to sanction the appointment of additional emergency consultants for Mercy University Hospital, County Cork in view of the large number of people attending the emergency department in the hospital.
I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Billy Lawless, Paddy Burke, Jennifer Murnane O'Connor and Lynn Ruane and they will be taken now. Senators Robbie Gallagher, Tim Lombard and Colm Burke may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.