Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire Stáit, Deputy Frankie Feighan. I thank him for coming in today. Before he addresses the first matter I will read out the matters submitted by Senators today.
I have received notice from Senator Malcolm Byrne that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise 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 Emer Currie of the following matter:
The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health to address the inequitable funding for trainee psychologists across clinical, educational and counselling strands.
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 John McGahon of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to provide an update on the Government’s plans to connect solar photovoltaic, PV, to the electricity network.
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 Galway Educate Together Secondary School and Cuan na Gaillimhe CNS.
I have also received notice from Senator Eugene Murphy of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to consider releasing the Land Commission records for the period 1870 to 1921 to coincide with this year of commemorations.
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 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 Niall Ó Donnghaile of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to provide an update on the current level of service being offered by the Passport Office; and if he will consider opening a dedicated passport office in the North of Ireland to meet increased demand.
I have also received notice from Senator Micheál Carrigy of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development to allocate funding under the 2021 community development pilot programme to the Attic House CLG, County Longford.
I have also received notice from Senator Garret Ahearn of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the proposed primary care centre for Fethard, County Tipperary.
I have also received notice from Senator Robbie Gallagher of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Justice to outline the role of data controllers in community close circuit television, CCTV, schemes; and if she will review the situation that exists in Monaghan town.
I have also received notice from Senator Mary Fitzpatrick of the following matter:
The need for the Minister of Finance to end tax incentives for investment funds.
I have also received notice from Senator Marie Sherlock of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to outline when she will issue updated guidelines on the recommencement of music, dance and drama classes.
I have also received notice from Senator Fiona O’Loughlin of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications to make a statement on just transition funding for counties impacted by the cessation of Bord na Mona activities.
I have also received notice from Senator Erin McGreehan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to oversee an audit of polling stations and election day procedures to ensure they are accessible, safe and welcoming places for all citizens.
Of the matters raised by the Senators suitable for discussion, I have selected those of Senators Byrne, Currie, Gavan, McGahon, O’Reilly and Murphy and they will be taken now. I regret that I have had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator McGreehan on the ground that the Minister has no official responsibility in the matter. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.