I have received notice from Senator Marc MacSharry that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to explain the delays in appointments being granted to patients referred to the symptomatic breast clinics at University College Hospital Galway and Letterkenny General Hospital within the best practice required timeframe despite some individuals presenting with both mastalgia and a lump and the fact that as few as 16% of urgent cases are being seen within the medical best practice target timeframe at some of these centres.
I have also received notice from Senator David Cullinane of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to provide an update on the progress to date in respect of the plans for a technical university for the south east.
I have also received notice from Senator Hildegarde Naughton of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to intervene to ensure existing jobs and future expansion are not put at risk at Parkmore industrial estate, Galway.
I have also received notice from Senator Michael Comiskey of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to investigate a recent issue which has arisen with regard to performing rights for amateur drama groups in Ireland whereby applications for performing rights for certain plays have been transferred from the Drama League of Ireland to an agency in London.
I have also received notice from Senator Paschal Mooney of the following matter:
The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to seek funding to combat coastal erosion at Tullaghan, County Leitrim, which seriously threatens Tynte Lodge, a listed building, and the two castellated stone folly towers on the cliff top overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
I have also received notice from Senator Catherine Noone of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Finance to outline the current position regarding the home carer tax credit, how many people are in receipt of same and if there are plans to reform it.
I have also received notice from Senator Colm Burke of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to work with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs towards providing adequate funding for the Life Centre in Cork.
I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators MacSharry, Cullinane and Naughton and they will be taken now. Senators Comiskey, Mooney, Noone and Burke may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.