I have received notice from Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn 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 ensure funding sought by Letterkenny University Hospital to reopen the 19-bed short stay ward is provided.
I have also received notice from Senator Keith Swanick of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to address the rationing of life support within intensive care units in the public health system.
I have also received notice from Senator Victor Boyhan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide an overview of the CLÁR programme; if he will give details of the 2017 targeted investment programme awarded for small-scale infrastructural projects in rural areas; and the national financial allocation to local authorities for CLÁR programme areas in 2018.
I have also received notice from Senator Tim Lombard of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to include funding for cattle underpasses in TAMS II.
I have also received notice from Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor of the following matter:
The need for the Minister of Housing, Planning and Local Government to outline why Carlow has one of the lowest thresholds in the country for people seeking inclusion in the housing list.
I have also received notice from Senator Neale Richmond of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to address the delays and overcrowding on the Luas.
I have also received notice from Senator Rose Conway-Walsh of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development to provide an update on the construction of a sea wall at Bunnafolly, Doohama, County Mayo.
Of the matters raised by Senators that are suitable for discussion, I have selected the matters raised by Senators Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Keith Swanick, Victor Boyhan and Tim Lombard and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise. I regret that I had to rule out of order the matter submitted by Senator Neale Richmond on the grounds that the Minister had no official responsibility in the matter.