Seanad debates

Thursday, 1 March 2012

10:30 am

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have received notice from Senator Cáit Keane that, on the motion for the Adjournment of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to discuss and re-evaluate the plastic bag levy applicable to bio-degradable bags in the light of the fact that laminated or waxed carrier bags used in retail clothes stores are not subject to the levy, even though they are less environmentally friendly.

I have also received notice from Senator Mark Daly of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to outline the amount spent on wastewater treatment plants in the past 15 years.

I have also received notice from Senator Denis O'Donovan of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to discuss the impact of the €900,000 cutback in the 2012 budget for Bantry General Hospital, indicate if there will be bed closures, staff reductions and the loss of any other post that may adversely affect the staff of the hospital and confirm that the proposed reconfiguration will be advanced as committed to by the last Government.

I have also received notice from Senator Michael Mullins of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to explain the reason funding approved in 2006 for the Irish Institute of Naturopathic Medicine was never provided, with the promised service level agreement for the established treatment centre at Colliga House, County Wicklow.

I have also received notice from Senator Averil Power of the following matter:

The need for the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to clarify if he raised the matter of the ongoing grave and widespread human rights violations by the Chinese regime with Vice President Xi Jinping during his recent visit; if he has raised these issues in general bilateral relations with China and at EU level.

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

The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to reclassify Down's syndrome as a low incidence disability in order that children with the syndrome receive the teaching and learning resources appropriate to their needs.

I regard the matters raised by Senators Cáit Keane, Mark Daly, Denis O'Donovan and Michael Mullins as suitable for discussion on the Adjournment and they will be taken at the conclusion of business. Senators Averil Power and Fidelma Healy Eames may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.

Photo of Caít KeaneCaít Keane (Fine Gael)
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On a point of order, may I add three extra words which have been omitted from the matter I wish to raise on the Adjournment?

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The Senator can add them when she makes her contribution.

Photo of Caít KeaneCaít Keane (Fine Gael)
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I want to add them before the Minister replies on the Adjournment.

Photo of Paddy BurkePaddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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The motions to be raised on the Adjournment have been sent to the offices of the Ministers concerned. The Senator can add the additional words when she makes her contribution.