Seanad debates

Tuesday, 18 July 2017

12:00 pm

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

The need for the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to outline the progress on the development of an effective and progressive national vacant housing re-use strategy as advocated for by the Peter McVerry Trust.

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

The need for the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, in light of the report on the cost of motor insurance, to initiate a review of the increasingly high cost of insurance for the agriculture and business sectors to ensure insurance premiums remain affordable.

I have also received notice from Senator Pádraig Ó Céidigh of the following matter:

The need for the Minister of State with responsibility for Gaeilge, the Gaeltacht and the islands to provide an outline of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010–2030, together with the actions taken to date in the delivery of this strategy.

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

The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the progress being made regarding plans to hold a referendum to allow Irish citizens abroad the right to vote in Irish presidential elections.

I have also received notice from Senator Rose Conway-Walsh of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to support native breeds of livestock, such as cattle, sheep, goat, pig, poultry, horse and pony, and for their greater regard in national policy and conservation measures.

I have also received notice from Senator Máire Devine of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to give an update on the opening of the ten-bed unit at the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum.

I have also received notice from Senator Neale Richmond of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide an update on the status of the proposed Celtic interconnector.

I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Ó Ríordáin, Lombard and Ó Céidigh and they will be taken now. Senator Ó Clochartaigh had been selected but has subsequently withdrawn his matter. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.