I have received notice from Senator Terry Leyden that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on the actions of the state of Israel in clearing the village of Susiya, a small village on the West Bank, for demolition, which is contrary to international law, and to recognise the state of Palestine, as these recent actions highlight the dangerous situation for the future of the state of Palestine.
I have also received notice from Senator Brian Ó Domhanill of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider introducing a funding scheme to support the sheep sector in the light of the ongoing price volatility in the sector and the fact that many sheep farmers may be forced out of existence.
I have also received notice from Senator Lorraine Higgins of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to allocate a permanent resource post to a school in County Galway (details supplied).
I have also received notice from Senator Colm Burke of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to clarify the current position in filling the vacant pancreatic transplant surgeon post and to confirm that every effort will be made by the HSE and the Department to fill the vacancy at an early date.
I have also received notice from Senator James Heffernan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline whether a proposal made by Dr. Alexander Oismueller to progress the M20 Limerick-Cork motorway project is being considered by his Department.
I regard the matters raised by Senators Terry Leyden, Brian Ó Domhnaill, Lorraine Higgins and Colm Burke as suitable for discussion and they will be taken now. I regret that I have had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator James Heffernan on the grounds that it is a repeat of a similar Commencement matter raised on 14 May.