Seanad debates

Tuesday, 15 November 2011

2:30 pm

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have notice from Senator Tom Sheahan 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 clarify the reason Valentia community hospital, a voluntarily run not-for-profit institution, was classified as a private nursing home under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009.

I have also received notice from Senator Deirdre Clune of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to develop a national dementia strategy.

I have also received notice from Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh of the following matter:

Go dtabharfaidh an tAire Comhshaoil, Pobail agus Rialtais Áitiúil soiléiriú maidir leis na pleananna atá ann ionad briogáid dóiteáin a lonnú i gConamara theas.

I have also received notice from Senator Fidelma Healy Eames of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to outline the benefits of socially monitored alarms for older people in terms of independent living and longevity, and that funding be maintained at current levels in the 2012 budget.

I have also received notice from Senator Jimmy Harte of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to make a statement on the problem where developers in receivership are not paying ESB bills for sewage pumps in housing estates, in particular, in the Letterkenny area of Glencar and Glenoughty, where the ESB has given notice that power will be switched off on 20 November.

I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Sheahan, Clune, Ó Clochartaigh and Healy Eames and they will be taken at the conclusion of business. Senator Harte may give notice on another day of the matter he wishes to raise.

I wish to inform the House that, as of 2 p.m. today, proceedings of the Houses of the Oireachtas will be broadcast on channel 801 on the UPC network as part of a trial initiative over a six-month period. This trial initiative is being provided at no cost to the Exchequer. As part of our agreement with UPC, Oireachtas proceedings will be carried live from 2 p.m. on Tuesday until the close of business on Thursday, with coverage of Dáil Éireann. Coverage of sittings of Seanad Éireann and committees will then be broadcast from Thursday evening until 2 p.m. on the following Tuesday.

Photo of Maurice CumminsMaurice Cummins (Fine Gael)
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In light of what the Cathaoirleach has announced, I am proposing that from next week we will start on Tuesday at 12.30 p.m. in order that proceedings can be broadcast live on the television channel.