Seanad debates

Tuesday, 7 June 2011

2:30 pm

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have received notice from Senator John Gilroy 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The need for the Minister for Health to outline the reasons HSE funding of €75,000 has been withdrawn from the suicide support and information system of the National Research Foundation at a time when the incidence of suicide is increasing.

I have also received notice from Senator David Cullinane of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to ensure the unacceptable waiting times for audiology - approximately 20 months - at Waterford General Hospital are addressed as a matter of urgency and to consider the recommendations made in the HSE report of the national audiology review group.

I have also received notice from Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify the steps being taken to overcome the refusal of the planning application for a new school in Gort an Choirce, County Donegal.

I have also received notice from Senator Kathryn Reilly of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify his intentions in relation to the reintroduction of third level fees.

I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Gilroy, Cullinane and Ó Domhnaill and they will be taken at the conclusion of business. Senator Reilly may give notice on another day of the matter she wishes to raise.

I have been officially informed that a number of independent Senators among the Taoiseach's nominees to the House have formed a group. It consists of seven Senators - Senators Jillian van Turnhout, Eamonn Coghlan, Fiach Mac Conghail, Martin McAleese, Marie-Louise O'Donnell, Mary Ann O'Brien and Katherine Zappone.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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On a technical point, if one is a card-carrying member of a political party, is one entitled to be part of an independent group?

Photo of Ivana BacikIvana Bacik (Independent)
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One certainly is.

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)
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On a point of order, that matter can be raised on the Order of Business.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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It is not relevant.

Photo of Terry LeydenTerry Leyden (Fianna Fail)
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Is the Cathaoirleach trying to silence me?

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have circulated to Members a memorandum on decorum in the House. I ask them to familiarise themselves with it.