I have notice from Senator Brian O'Shea that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education to clarify if she intends to proceed with the proposals for the privatisation of the school transport scheme in Counties Laois, Sligo, Cavan and Clare.
I also received notice from Senator John A. Murphy of the following matter:
The recent large increase in the number of experiments on animals.
I also received notice from Senator Paddy McGowan of the following matter:
That Seanad Éireann notes the special problems in promoting tourism in the Border areas.
I also received notice from Senator John Connor of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to intervene to stop the precipitated closure of St. Patrick's Psychiatric Hospital, Castlerea, at any time during the coming year.
I regard the matters raised by Senators O'Shea, Murphy and Connor as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matter raised by Senator O'Shea and it will be taken from 8 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Senators Murphy and Connor may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.
I regret I have to rule that the matter raised by Senator Paddy McGowan is not suitable for discussion on the Adjournment on the ground of lack of Ministerial responsibility. I have spoken to the Senator today about it.