Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have received notice from Senator Fidelma Healy Eames that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to discuss the need to reduce the gap between teacher appointment and retention figures for primary schools and to revise the teacher appointment guidelines so that a new primary teacher can be appointed immediately after 30 September pupil numbers are confirmed by the Department.

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

The need for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to intervene to address the disastrous situation for wild Irish salmon as a result of overgrowth on riverbanks and the tunnelling effect on these rivers inhibiting the spawning and development of salmonoids.

I have also received notice from Senator Marc MacSharry of the following matter:

The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works to outline why Easkey Garda station in County Sligo is to be auctioned next week instead of being provided to the community in the area as has been the practice elsewhere.

I have also received notice from Senator Katherine Zappone of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on Mr. Ibrahim Halawa's legal case in Egypt and to outline the Government's actions since his last trial date on 4 October 2015 was adjourned until 15 December.

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

The need for the Minister for Social Protection to outline what process is in place to support former Waterford Crystal workers who are not members of Unite and who had left Waterford Crystal prior to 1992 and previously settled with the Irish Pensions Trust in 2009, but who feel they are due compensation following the recent EU ruling on accessing compensation.

I have also received notice from Senator Mary Moran of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to clarify the position on teaching practice hours for teachers who are pursuing a Master's degree in education and already have contract hours in a school.

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

The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the policy that guides the provision of lessons in various native languages for non-nationals.

I regard the matters raised as suitable for discussion. I have selected Senators Healy Eames, Norris, MacSharry and Zappone and they will be taken now. Senators Cullinane, Moran and Noone may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.