Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have received notice from Senator Donie Cassidy that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health and Children to comment on the reduction in the number of acute beds in Mullingar Regional Hospital, County Westmeath, and outline her intentions in relation to rewarding hospitals which are the most efficient in the country in the context of the annual Casemix adjustments.

I have also received notice from Senator Maria Corrigan of the following matter:

To ask the Minister for Health and Children if statistics are available for people with an intellectual disability or Asperger's syndrome who are in prison or awaiting trial and if consideration can be given to the provision of a secure facility specifically for such individuals within the context of developments in the national forensic mental health services, as the individuals in question have specialised needs and are extremely vulnerable.

I have also received notice from Senator Paschal Donohoe of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to provide an update on the regeneration project in O'Devaney Gardens, Dublin 7, and outline the funding he has allocated this year to the project and the funding that will be made available next year to ensure the target date of 2013 for completion of phase 1 is met.

I have also received notice from Senator Cecilia Keaveney of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health and Children to clarify that the issue of male cancers should be highlighted and to outline the efforts being made towards male screening programmes.

I have also received notice from Senator Jerry Buttimer of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to make a statement on the plans he has to assist local authorities to make sufficient funding available to maintain estate, rural and secondary roads.

I have also received notice from Senator Paudie Coffey of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to outline the measures he is taking to ensure Waterford courthouse is refurbished and adequate facilities are provided to meet the demands of the normal sittings of the District and Circuit Courts, as well as the reinstatement of High Court cases to be heard in Waterford city.

I regard the matters raised by Senators Cassidy, Corrigan, Donohoe and Keaveney as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Cassidy, Corrigan and Donohoe and they will be taken at the conclusion of business. I regret I have had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Buttimer, as the Minister has no official responsibility in the matter. I also regret I have had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Coffey, as the Minister has no official responsibility in the matter, which is one for the Courts Service. Senator Keaveney may give notice on another day of the matter she wishes to raise.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

On a point of order, while I respect the Cathaoirleach's decision and do not propose to challenge it, the matter of which I gave notice was addressed specifically to the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government who is responsible for the provision of funding for local authorities. I asked only that the Minister outline his plans. The Cathaoirleach ruled that the matter raised by Senator Cassidy was suitable for discussion on the Adjournment, although it relates to the Health Service Executive rather than the Minister for Health and Children.

Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Senators who have a problem with my rulings may raise the issue with me in my office rather than on the floor of the House.

Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Minister either has responsibility for the issue or she does not.