I have received notice from Senator John Gilroy that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to outline the reasons HSE funding of €75,000 has been withdrawn from the suicide support and information system of the National Research Foundation at a time when the incidence of suicide is increasing.
I have also received notice from Senator David Cullinane of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to ensure the unacceptable waiting times for audiology — approximately 20 months — at Waterford General Hospital are addressed as a matter of urgency and to consider the recommendations made in the HSE report of the national audiology review group.
I have also received notice from Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify the steps being taken to overcome the refusal of the planning application for a new school in Gort an Choirce, County Donegal.
I have also received notice from Senator Kathryn Reilly of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify his intentions in relation to the reintroduction of third level fees.
I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Gilroy, Cullinane and Ó Domhnaill and they will be taken at the conclusion of business. Senator Reilly may give notice on another day of the matter she wishes to raise.
I have been officially informed that a number of independent Senators among the Taoiseach's nominees to the House have formed a group. It consists of seven Senators — Senators Jillian van Turnhout, Eamonn Coghlan, Fiach Mac Conghail, Martin McAleese, Marie-Louise O'Donnell, Mary Ann O'Brien and Katherine Zappone.
