Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
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Before calling on Senator Swanick to speak to his matter on the Commencement, it is worth noting that this is the first sitting of the Seanad in what will be its temporary home until essential work on the renovation of the historic Leinster House is complete. The Office of Public Works has done a magnificent job in transforming the room for parliamentary use. Ba chóir d'Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí a bheith bródúil as an obair iontach atá déanta anseo. Táimid an-bhuíoch dár gcomharsana in Ard-Mhúsaem na hÉireann a chomhoibrigh linn chun an toradh seo a bhaint amach.

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 for Housing, Planning and Local Government to introduce stronger regulations requiring all landlords to adhere to the highest level of safety standards with regard to carbon monoxide prevention measures.

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

To ask the Minister for Education and Skills to outline the progress that has been made on funding for the Educate Together school to be built in south Kildare in light of the recent CSO figures which state there will be an increase of 24% in the need for second level school places by 2025 in south Kildare.

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

The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the recent report on Roscommon mental health services and his plans to address the concerns and recommendations contained in this report.

I have also received notice from Senator Billy Lawless of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to make a statement on the economic and social costs of retaining immigrants.

I have also received notice from Senator Gerard P. Craughwell of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to outline his plans for the continued implementation of the anti-bullying procedures for primary and post-primary schools, and if he will guarantee that the funding of the national anti-bullying research and resource centre in DCU will be continued.

I have also received notice from Senator Pádraig Mac Lochlainn of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to urgently introduce a redress scheme for families in counties Donegal and Mayo affected by defective concrete blocks in their homes following the publication of the report of the expert panel in July.

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

The need for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to publish planning guidelines for regulation of solar farms.

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

The need for the Minister for Health to put in place adequate funding to assist junior doctors involved in medical training.

I have also received notice from Senator Aodhán Ó Ríordáin of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to address the system failures surrounding the untimely death of a person, details supplied, in February this year, and if he will make a statement on this matter.

I have also received notice from Senator Aidan Davitt of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to provide an update on when the increased €1,000 representational allowance will commence for county councillors, and if he will provide clarity on the new increased vouched expenses scheme and options for councillors.

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

The need for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to make a statement on the recent safety concerns regarding the Ballinaboy gas refinery in Urris, County Mayo.

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

The need for the Minister for Health to outline the current status, ownership and future plans for the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum.

I regard the matters raised by the Senators as suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Swanick, Noone, Devine and Lawless and they will be taken now. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise.