Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)

Before I read out the list of Commencement matters, I welcome Caroline, the sister of Senator Manus Boyle, her husband, John Denney, and their daughters Shannon and Kaythlin. I hope the Senator has always been a very good uncle, namely good in the context of confirmation and first communion and, in particular, at Christmas. Caroline, I hope Manus has always been a good brother. I am sure he has. He is a very hard-working Senator.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy John Cummins. I will read now read out the list of Commencement matters.

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

Senator Dee Ryan - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on rural housing planning guidelines.

Senator Linda Nelson Murray - the need for the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport to make a statement on the need to ensure that social media companies protect real information and remove misinformation on social media platforms.

Senator Malcolm Noonan - the need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on plans for a national children's health record system for Irish healthcare services.

Senator Garret Ahearn - the need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to provide an update on remuneration packages for local authority councillors and to outline any planned reforms.

Senator Pauline Tully - the need for the Minister for Education and Youth to make a statement on the additional special needs assistants allocation for Cavan No. 1 National School in Cavan town and on the establishment of a special class in the school in September 2026.

The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Dee Ryan, Linda Nelson Murray and Malcolm Noonan and they will be taken now. Senator Garret Ahearn had to withdraw his Commencement matter because he was not able to be here today. Senator Pauline Tully may give notice on another day of the matter that she wishes to raise.