Seanad debates

Thursday, 20 July 2017

10:30 am

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

The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to outline the plans he has to reinstate fully the Athenry to Claremorris railway line which was closed to passenger traffic in 1977, and his views on the use of the line for the development of a greenway if it is to remain closed.

I have also received notice from Senator Paul Gavan of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to reconcile the stated Government policy of neutrality with the hundreds of permissions granted by his Department this year under the Air Navigation (Carriage of Munitions of War, Weapons and Dangerous Goods) Order 1973 for Shannon Airport.

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

The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to end the current 2+1 system on the N2 Derry-Dublin road between Clontibret, County Monaghan, and Ardee, County Louth, and to upgrade the road to motorway status to connect with the M1 Belfast-Dublin road.

I have also received notice from Senator John O’Mahony of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to address the concerns of the Irish aviation community and the emergency services regarding the aeronautical charts and maps that they use.

I have also received notice from Senator Niall Ó Donnghaile of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform to outline the impact the roll-out of the public services card may have on Irish citizens who are resident in the Six Counties and who wish to apply for and obtain an Irish passport, as is their right under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement.

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

The need for the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to ensure those affected by the burst water pipe in Limerick city will be fully compensated for all damage by Irish Water.

I have also received notice from Senator Kevin Humphreys of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to explain the delay in bringing forward legislation for affordable housing and affordable rental accommodation.

I regard the matters raised by Senators Craughwell, Gavan, Gallagher, O’Mahony, Ó Donnghaile and Humphreys as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Craughwell, Gavan, Gallagher and O’Mahony and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise. I regret I have had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Byrne on the ground that the Minister has no official responsibility in this matter.

I remind Senators they have four minutes in which to outline their case and the Minister has the same amount of time in which to reply.