Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
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I have received notice from Senator Michael Mullins that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to ensure that the HSE provides a nurse on a permanent basis to Ballinasloe Social Services which provides day-care services to the elderly in Ballinasloe and surrounding areas, and to provide a significant increase to its section 39 funding to enable it to continue to provide a very valuable service, which is widely used, and currently has a waiting list.

I have also received notice from Senator John Kelly of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to invest in rural GP practices and reverse the FEMPI cuts so as to make it financially sustainable.

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

The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to outline whether he can provide adequate accommodation for social welfare services (details supplied) in Bantry, County Cork, to enable them to be housed under one roof as they are currently in four separate locations, which is most inconvenient for the general public.

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

The need for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to clarify the situation relating to the taxation of tractor units following the recent court ruling which stated that a trailer is not a vehicle.

I have also received notice from Senator Thomas Byrne of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to urgently review the income thresholds for social housing in light of the fact that some households which are in receipt of family income supplement are in excess of the income limits.

I have also received notice from Senator Catherine Noone of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to clarify the issue of a second year of free child care for children who are currently receiving their first year of free child care.

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

The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to outline whether he has full confidence in the Connemara Pony Breeder Society's inspection and classification programme for the Connemara pony.

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 acknowledge the current funding model for local authorities is not sustainable with more funding required to be devolved centrally, drawing on the experience of Galway city and county councils.

I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion on the Commencement of the House. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Mullins, Kelly, O'Donovan and Mooney and they will be taken now. Senators Byrne, Noone, Ó Clochartaigh and Healy Eames may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.