I have received notice from Senator Colm Burke that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to put in place a more expeditious procedure for dealing with visa applications for spouses of medical or nursing practitioners who are working in the Irish healthcare system.
I have also received notice from Senator Gerald Nash of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to deploy additional resources to Drogheda Garda station to tackle the escalating drugs feud in the area and the need to address the low garda numbers in the area, compared with analogous population centres, on a permanent basis.
I have also received notice from Senator Maura Hopkins of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the provision of a thrombectomy machine for Beaumont Hospital, which would deliver lifesaving treatment for stroke patients.
I have also received notice from Senator Paul Gavan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to make a statement on Ennis Educate Together national school in light of protected disclosures and whole-school evaluation reports.
I have also received notice from Senator Victor Boyhan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to provide an update on the status of the selected projects under the urban regeneration and development fund, the funding allocated to each project and the timelines involved.
I have also received notice from Senator Maria Byrne of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to consider introducing an eyesight testing scheme for children in primary school.
I have also received notice from Senator Kevin Humphreys of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to consider the reintroduction of Operation Freeflow in our cities for Christmas 2018.
Of the matters raised by the Senators that are suitable for discussion, I have selected Senators Colm Burke, Nash, Hopkins and Gavan and they will be taken now. I regret I had to rule out of order the matter submitted by Senator Boyhan on the ground it is a repeat of a Commencement matter raised on 15 November 2018. I regret I had to rule out of order the matter submitted by Senator Humphreys on the ground that the Minister has no official responsibility in the matter. Senator Byrne may give notice on another day of the matter she wishes to raise.