Before I read out the Commencement matters, I welcome to the Distinguished Visitors Gallery the Polish chargé d'affaires, Mr. Artur Michalski. He is a guest of the chair of our parliamentary friendship group, Deputy Malcolm Byrne. Today we mark Poland's Constitution Day to commemorate the adoption of a modern, codified constitution by Poland on 3 May 1791. It was the first country in Europe and the second after the United States of America to do so. The Unites States is, of course, marking its 250th anniversary this year. Also this year, we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and Poland. It is a cause of great joy for us that we have built those links. There are over 93,680 people of Polish citizenship living here. They have created communities and organisations that bring them together and also celebrate the bonds between Ireland and Poland. Our diplomatic relations run deep with our membership of the European Union, which has been transformative for Ireland since we joined in 1973 but also for Poland when it joined.

Today in the Oireachtas there will be an exhibition that has been worked on in relation to Countess Markievicz, who played such a huge role. Her husband was an artist and was a leading figure in the cultural revolution in Ireland, part of that important element of our struggle for Independence. Their partnership brought Polish culture and identity to Ireland long before the Polish people who are now living in our country did. It is woven through the fabric of our shared relationships over the last 100 years and beyond. As the convener of the friendship group, Deputy Byrne has put together a most impressive celebration of that life and bohemian Dublin, which is marked in this great exhibition on Count and Countess Markievicz. It is a great symbol of the enduring relationships between Ireland and Poland. I thank the chargé d'affaires, Mr. Michalski, for being here today as we celebrate Poland's national day.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:

Senator Garret Kelleher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on future funding allocations for road safety initiatives, in particular to provide safe pedestrian and cycle infrastructure in Mourneabbey, County Cork.

Senator Seán Kyne - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of funding for regional National Transport Authority offices.

Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of additional funding for road maintenance due to the sharp rise in the cost of materials.

Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the arrangements in place for Ireland's upcoming football match with Israel.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Defence to provide an update on the management of the Curragh Plains, County Kildare, including the prohibition of illegal encampments on these lands.

Senator Mark Duffy - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the conditions for drawdown of funds for the croí cónaithe property refurbishment grant.

Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on the streamlining of the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme.

Senator Cathal Byrne - The need for the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the proposed new campus for the South East Technological University in Wexford.

The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Kelleher, Kyne, Gallagher and Andrews and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.