I wish a happy St. Valentine's Day to everybody on this Ash Wednesday.
Before I read out the Commencement matters, I wish to extend a cead míle fáilte - a huge welcome - to Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP who is visiting Leinster House. Mr. Cole-Hamilton is a member of the Scottish Parliament and the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats. Mr. Cole-Hamilton is a friend of our colleague and friend, Senator McGahon. I welcome Alex and his wife to Leinster House to extend the hand of friendship. I look forward to working with Mr. Cole-Hamilton in building greater relationships between our two parliaments. I thank Mr. Cole-Hamilton for being here and hope he has a good visit. I know Senator McGahon will show them some of the lights of Dublin, and the sights as well. I am not sure if they are in good or safe hands, but they are in competent and capable hands anyway. Alex is very welcome to Leinster House.
I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:
Senator Gerard P. Craughwell - The need for the Minister for Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform to make a statement on the impact of post-1995 and pre-2013 pension schemes for members of An Garda Síochána, the Defence Forces and other front-line services.
Senator Garret Ahearn - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the N24 national road project and the two new connecting link roads within Clonmel.
Senator Lynn Boylan - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the impact of private jets on the Dublin Airport passenger cap.
Senator Tim Lombard - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the timelines for the commencement of ophthalmology services in the new theatres and outpatient units in South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, and full regional eye care services in Ballincollig, County Cork.
Senator Malcolm Byrne - The need for the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to make a statement on the plans in place to respond to a potential collapse in the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation.
The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters of Senators Gerard Craughwell, Garret Ahearn, Lynn Boylan and Tim Lombard and they will be taken now. Senator Malcolm Byrne may give notice on another day of the matter that he wishes to raise.