I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters on the Commencement of the Seanad:
Senator Seery Kearney:
The need for the Minister for Justice to provide increased funding to ensure the deployment of appropriate numbers of gardaí in communities in light of the escalating anti-social behaviour in Cherry Orchard in Dublin.
Senator Paul Gavan:
The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to make a statement on the continuing deaths of migrants in the Mediterranean and Aegean seas.
Senator Barry Ward:
The need for the Minister for Finance to make a statement on the Central Bank's current definition of a first-time buyer under its mortgage lending rules.
Senator Joe O'Reilly:
The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on whether changes and improvements to the guidelines and regulations concerning house design, site layout and density would assist in the provision of additional housing units.
Senator Maria Byrne:
The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to make a statement on the supports available to encourage businesses to increase energy efficiency.
Senator Martin Conway:
The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on his plans to roll out a public information campaign to ensure the correct use of the emergency services numbers.
Senator Lynn Boylan:
The need for the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to make a statement on fossil fuel advertising and sponsorships.
Senator Malcolm Byrne:
The need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to make a statement on the Government's strategy to develop film and television production in Ireland.
The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Seery Kearney, Gavan, Ward and O'Reilly and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.