Before I announce the Commencement matters, I welcome to the Public Gallery a very good friend of mine, Mr. Michael Mulcahy, who is from both Cork and Limerick. He plays a key role in Cork business and civic life. I thank him for being here today and hope he will have a very pleasant visit to Leinster House.
I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:
Senator Seán Kyne - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the roll-out of Westdoc services to Moycullen and Oughterard, County Galway.
Senator Erin McGreehan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the policy of testing for hereditary cancers, especially the BRCA gene, which can cause breast cancer.
Senator Marie Sherlock - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to consider purchasing Aldborough House in Dublin 1, for use by the State or the local authority, for cultural, artistic, housing or other amenity.
Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to make a statement on the allocations of funding under the climate adaptation scheme in light of the serious flooding issue in Donaghmoyne, County Monaghan.
Senator Malcolm Byrne - The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to outline the measures in place to recruit and retain foster carers.
Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee - The need for the Minister for Finance to allow for the exemption of land being used for agricultural or horticultural purposes from the residential zoned land tax in the upcoming finance Bill.
Of the matters raised by the Senators suitable for discussion, I have selected Senators Seán Kyne, Erin McGreehan, Marie Sherlock and Robbie Gallagher and they will be taken now.
I regret I had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Lorraine Clifford-Lee on the ground that it anticipates the statements on the budget that are scheduled to take place in the Seanad on Tuesday, 10 October. Senator Malcolm Byrne may give notice on another day of the matter he wishes to raise.