Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad
Seanad business covered seven ministerial statements sought on health, transport, rural funding, education, agriculture, STEM and childcare, with four issues selected for immediate discussion and the rest deferred.
I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters on the commencement of Seanad Éireann today:
Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the inclusion of osteoarthritis in the chronic disease management programme.
Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on driving test waiting lists in County Kerry and, in particular, the establishment of a driving test centre in Listowel to reduce waiting times.
Senator Gareth Scahill - The need for the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to make a statement on the reintroduction of the community support fund.
Senator Tom Clonan - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the criteria for enrolment in special classes for children with developmental language disorder or speech sound disorder as set out in Circular 24/2025.
Senator Chris Andrews - The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to make a statement on capping the number of breeding females permitted within a dog-breeding establishment.
Senator Maria McCormack - The need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on funding for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, STEM, engagement officers in Laois and the midlands.
Senator Joanne Collins - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on core funding for the childcare sector and the recent reduction in childcare rates.
The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Nessa Cosgrove, Gareth Scahill, Mike Kennelly and Tom Clonan and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.