I have notice from Senator Keith Swanick that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to outline the plans that have been put in place for the continuation of services for scoliosis patients in Tallaght hospital given the recent loss of a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in the hospital, and the plans in place for the recruitment of a replacement consultant orthopaedic surgeon.
I have also received notice from Senator Jennifer Murnane O’Connor of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Social Protection to address the findings of the 2017 south-east economic monitor report that Carlow has the third highest rate of unemployment in the country as a result of the absence of IDA-supported jobs, low Enterprise Ireland activity and low higher education capacity.
I have also received notice from Senator John O’Mahony of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the criteria for free legal aid and to address the need for reform in this area.
I have also received notice from Senator Paul Gavan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to outline the steps she is taking to address the precarious work and low pay prevalent in the child care and early years education sector.
I have also received notice from Senator Gerard P. Craughwell of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the plans, if any, he has to reinstate fully the Athenry to Claremorris Line which was closed to passenger traffic in 1977, and his views on the use of the line for the development of a greenway if the railway line is to remain closed.
I have also received notice from Senator Martin Conway of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to outline the present position on the review of management structures and other matters at the ambulance service.
I have also received notice from Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to outline the Government's position on the implementation of a rights-based, stand-alone Irish language Act in the North as agreed at St. Andrews.
I have also received notice from Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the threatened discontinuation of the youth counselling services being provided by Youth Work Ireland Galway due to a lack of funding from the HSE.
I have also received notice from Senator Kieran O’Donnell of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline current Garda recruitment and training plans and the plans in place to address the need for an allocation of additional gardaí to Limerick city.
I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Swanick, Murnane O’Connor, O’Mahony and Gavan and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.
I welcome our colleague from Monaghan, Councillor Seamas Coyle, to the Chamber.