Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad
Four matters were selected for discussion: birth certificate privacy choices, restoring Killybegs school dental services, a second Newbridge bridge, and support for displaced artists.
I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:
Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to amend the Birth Information and Tracing Act 2022 to allow for additional choice for persons in selection of birth certificates and privacy of records.
Senator Manus Boyle - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the restoration of school dental services in Killybegs, County Donegal.
Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide an update on the second bridge for Newbridge, County Kildare linking Great Connell Road and Athgarvan Road.
Senator Frances Black - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on supports in place for artists to ensure suitable alternative studio place is provided for those currently located at Ormond Art Studios and The Complex in Dublin.
Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to make a statement on the policy of Irish Water whereby community groups and not-for-profits have to pay commercial rates for water and wastewater connection fees.
Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to provide greater investment in rural transport, in particular Local Link and demand responsive transport services.
Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Youthwith responsibility for special education and inclusion to make a statement on the provision of additional autism classes for Stapolin Educate Together National School, Myrtle Road, The Coast, Dublin 13.
The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Duffy, Boyle, O'Loughlin and Black and they will be taken now. I regret that I had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Lynch 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.