I have received notice from Senator Marie Moloney that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for primary care, social care - disabilities and older people - and mental health to outline the reason the primary care reimbursement service is now refusing full-time students medical cards because of their part-time earnings, despite the fact that both parents are in receipt of social welfare payments only and have full medical cards.
I have also received notice from Senator Tom Sheahan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for primary care, social care - disabilities and older people - and mental health to introduce Ireland's first ever national autism awareness week from 1 April to 8 April 2016 and to include Ireland's first ever national autism awareness day on 2 April 2016.
I have also received notice from Senator Mary Ann O’Brien of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to outline the measures of the Charities Regulatory Authority to implement key actions arising from the Charities Act 2009 to ensure greater accountability, protect against fraud and abuse and enhance confidence and increase transparency in the sector.
I have also received notice from Senator Averil Power of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to follow through on motions passed by the Seanad and Dáil by formally recognising the state of Palestine.
I have also received notice from Senator Lorraine Higgins of the following matter:
The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to outline when adequate flood relief measures will be implemented along the Dunkellin River, County Galway, in light of the continuous destruction being caused by flooding to homes and farmland in the area.
I have also received notice from Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh of the following matter:
The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to give an update on the works planned in counties Galway and Mayo to combat coastal erosion in the area and, in particular, on the situation regarding Tawin Island, near Oranmore, County Galway.
I have also received notice from Senator Martin Conway of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to intervene in the case of a young child (details supplied) to expedite an urgent appointment at Ennis hospital, County Clare.
I regard the matters raised by Senators Moloney, Sheahan, Mary Ann O’Brien, Power, Higgins and Ó Clochartaigh as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Moloney, Sheahan, Mary Ann O’Brien and Power and they will be taken now. Senators Higgins and Ó Clochartaigh may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise. I regret I have had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Conway as the Minister has no official responsibility in the matter.