I know that Members will join with me in extending our sympathies to Treasa Carroll who has worked for over 40 years in Leinster House, and who gave great service and is well liked by all her colleagues and Members over those four decades. Her husband, Seamus, who was an usher here and a service officer prior to that, died suddenly yesterday from a stroke. We extend our deepest sympathies to her and all the family and friends, and all of the colleagues in Leinster House who served with Seamus over the years. He was a gentleman who could never do enough for people. We offer our deepest sympathies to the family of Seamus Carroll on his sad and sudden passing. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters on the commencement of the Seanad:

Senator Teresa Costello - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the practical and psychological supports available to family members seeking assistance for a person who is experiencing persistent psychosis, in particular when the person does not recognise the need for or declines to engage with treatment.

Senator Malcolm Noonan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the introduction of a scheme to fund free maintenance and reliever therapy inhalers for 12- to 17-year-old asthma sufferers.

Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of additional funding for roads in the Cavan and Monaghan area.

Senator Eileen Lynch - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on future funding allocations for road safety initiatives, in particular for improvement works for the N22 junctions between Macroom and Ballincollig and the works for the Castlemore junction on the N22 junction between Macroom and Ballincollig.

Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the provision of adequate respite services so that all family carers can receive regular and appropriate respite free of charge at point of use.

Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Transport to make a statement on the provision of emergency funding for the N69 from Tarbert to Listowel and the Kilflynn area in County Kerry.

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

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and I wish her a belated happy birthday. She is most welcome to Seanad Éireann.