I wish to advise the House of the following matters in respect of which notice has been given to me under Standing Order 20 (3) (a) and the name of the Member in each case: (1) Deputy Shatter — the circumstances which resulted in two persons being held in a cell in Castlebar Garda Station which contained firearms and ammunition; whether an inquiry is being conducted into this incident; if he will outline the steps, if any, being taken to ensure that such weapons and ammunition are not similarly stored in the future; (2) Deputy Currie — the circumstances in which a 17 year old person, the details of which the Minister for Education has already been advised, has not received any formal education since before his 13th birthday; (3) Deputy Sherlock — the two major fish kills within a matter of days in the Blackwater River and its tributaries, and the need for urgent action to prevent a recurrence; (4) Deputy Deasy — whether the Minister for Industry and Commerce will meet with the board of Waterford Crystal in an effort to safeguard the 700 or 800 jobs which are seriously under threat; (5) Deputy McGrath — the failure of the Department of the Environment to finance approved capital works, undertaken by Westmeath County Council, resulting in that council having to procure overdraft facilities of £6 million; (6) Deputy Byrne — the impact of the current car hire shortage on the Irish tourist industry and the need for immediate implementation of a temporary importation scheme for this season; (7) Deputy McGinley — the serious disruption in the Glengesh / Meentashask / Leemagowra / Largynaseeragh and Owenteskna areas of Donegal last Tuesday evening as a result of landslides and flooding caused by torrential rain and if he will take immediate action to alleviate further hardship and loss; (8) Deputy G. O'Sullivan — the serious concern being expressed regarding the fish kill on the River Blackwater and its detrimental effects on angling interests in the country; (9) Deputy Ryan — the dispute between the board of CIE and the Department of Education which is threatening to disrupt the school transport system throughout the country in September; and (10) Deputy Moynihan — the serious development in the regional hospital, Tralee consequent on the decision of the Southern Health Board to close a 30 bed ward and the serious unrest among nursing staff arising from this decision.
I have selected for discussion the matters raised by Deputies Deasy, Shatter and Ryan.