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 Sargent — the high number of hares killed at Clounanna, County Limerick, at the weekend of 20-21 February 1993; and if in the light of calls from followers of coursing as well as those opposed for a ban on this barbaric activity, he will state his intention regarding amendments to the Wildlife Act, 1976, and if he will make a statement on the matter; (2) Deputy D. Ahern — the need for a new school premises at Scoil Chríost Rí, Dundalk, County Louth; (3) Deputy Mulvihill — The present crisis in the Irish Steel Company's plant in Haulbowline, Cobh, County Cork, and to ask the Government to do all in its power to ensure the survival of this plant and the jobs of its 560 workforce; (4) Deputy T. Ahearn — the decision by the South Eastern Health Board to remove orthopaedic trauma surgery from Our Lady's Hospital in Cashel and the illogicality of this decision when at present there is an 18 month waiting list for appointments with orthopaedic specialists in Cashel; (5) Deputy J. Mitchell — the anomaly whereby unemployed persons who become sick and are admitted to hospital lose their social welfare payment while they are in hospital; and the resultant loss of income and hardship for their families.
I have selected for discussion the matters raised by Deputies Jim Mitchell; Theresa Ahearn and Dermot Ahern.