I have received notice from Senator Sharon Keogan that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to make a statement on the necessity for changes to the Safe Pass system for construction workers in view of the 2017 High Court ruling on the renewal of registration cards.
I have also received notice from Senator John Cummins of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to extend the holiday earnings disregard for students who undertake employment during the summer period to assist the staffing challenges in the hotel and hospitality sectors.
I have also received notice from Senator Lynn Boylan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to set a deadline for progress on the modernisation of the Energy Charter Treaty and commit to Ireland withdrawing if no progress is made by that date.
I have also received notice from Senator Victor Boyhan of the following matter:
The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for planning and local government to make a statement on the funding allocation for the development of rural nodes.
I have also received notice from Senator Tim Lombard of the following matter:
The need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to make a statement on the long-term plan for funding of Bantry tourism office.
Of the matters suitable for discussion, I have selected Senators Keogan, Cummins and Boylan. Senator Boyhan has withdrawn his commencement matter which I had originally selected. I regret that I had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Lombard on the ground that the Minister has no official responsibility in the matter.