Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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I have received notice from Senator Keith Swanick that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, he proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works and flood relief to consider the roll-out of a scheme to allow free entry for children to all OPW sites nationally, to help promote greater awareness of the many cultural and historical sites to future generations.

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

The need for the Minister for Health to extend blood-testing facilities to general practitioners on a Monday-to-Friday basis at University Hospital Limerick.

I have also received notice from Senator Fintan Warfield of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to give an update on consultations on school admissions.

I have also received notice from Senator Robbie Gallagher of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Social Protection to outline whether she plans to abolish the averaging rules for the calculation of pension entitlements introduced in 2012 with a view to reverting to the previous system of calculation so that those, mostly mothers, who are currently being inadvertently penalised will be able to access the full State pension.

I have also received notice from Senator Colm Burke of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to clarify the current position regarding the number of medical consultant vacancies in hospitals and the actions his Department is proposing to address the current shortfall, which is reported to be in the region of 400.

I have also received notice from Senator Tim Lombard of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to develop a strategy for increasing funding, recognition and participation in women’s sport.

I regard the matters raised by Senators Swanick, Byrne, Warfield, Gallagher, Burke and Lombard as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Swanick, Byrne, Warfield and Gallagher and they will be taken now. Senators Burke and Lombard may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.