Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad
Several Senators sought ministerial statements on issues including the Nigeria school kidnappings, school building projects, allergy strategy, dentist recognition, flood relief, rural roads, insurance reform, childminding regulations and Clonakilty school works; four were selected for immediate discussion.
The Cathaoirleach has received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:
Senators Aubrey McCarthy and Rónán Mullen - The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on the release of the students and staff abducted from St. Mary's Catholic primary and secondary schools, Papiri, Nigeria.
Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the status of the major building project for Gaelscoil Chnoc na Ré, Sligo.
Senator Evanne Ní Chuilinn - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on developing a national allergy strategy, to include access to relevant testing and additional clinical supports for allergy sufferers.
Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the recognition process for internationally qualified dentists to work in Ireland.
Senator Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation to make a statement on the flood relief scheme in place for Killybegs, County Donegal.
Senator Sarah O'Reilly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the number of kilometres of regional and rural roads being maintained on an annual basis.
Senator Linda Nelson Murray - The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for financial services, credit unions and insurance to provide an update on the action plan on insurance reform.
Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the new childminding regulations for home-based childcare providers.
Senator Noel O'Donovan - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to provide an update on the proposed building works at Sacred Heart Secondary School, Clonakilty, County Cork.
The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. The Cathaoirleach has selected Senators McCarthy and Mullen, who are sharing their time, Cosgrove, Ní Chuilinn and Cathal Byrne and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.