I have received notice from Senator Fiona O'Loughlin that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to consider lifting the restrictions on partners attending at maternity hospitals for appointments and childbirth.
I have also received notice from Senator Marie Sherlock of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to conduct a review of the national childcare scheme.
I have also received notice from Senator Tim Lombard of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to provide clarification on the statutory timeframes pertaining to aquaculture licensing.
I have also received notice from Senator Mary Fitzpatrick of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of financial and other supports for taxi drivers.
I have also received notice from Senator Michael McDowell of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Finance to examine the feasibility of a legislative change to allow children to take out life cover in respect of their parents for the specific purpose of paying inheritance tax after the death of the parent or parents concerned.
I have also received notice from Senator Barry Ward of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Finance to consider changing the rates of taxes on mobility, in particular stamp duty and inheritance tax, for those wishing to downsize or move house.
I have also received notice from Senator Malcolm Byrne of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to make a statement on her plans for the safe reopening of theatres and event venues.
I have also received notice from Senator Sharon Keogan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education to provide an update on the remedial works required to Duleek boys' and girls' national schools, County Meath.
I have also received notice from Senator Paul Gavan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to legislate to create safe access zones for hospitals.
I have also received notice from Senator Ivana Bacik of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education to provide an update on the opening of autism spectrum disorder, ASD, units in schools in the areas of Dublin 2, 4 and 6.
I have also received notice from Senator Emer Currie of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to address inequitable funding for trainee psychologists.
I have also received notice from Senator Pauline O’Reilly of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Education provide an update on school buildings for multi-denominational schools in Galway.
The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and the Cathaoirleach has selected the matters raised by Senators O’Loughlin, Sherlock, Lombard, Fitzpatrick, McDowell and Ward, and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.
I welcome my colleague and friend, Minister of State, Deputy Feighan, Senator emeritus, to the Chamber and invite Senator O'Loughlin to address the first matter.