Seanad debates

Thursday, 28 September 2017

10:30 am

Photo of Denis O'DonovanDenis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I have received notice from Senator Kieran O'Donnell 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 at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works and flood relief to provide an update on the preparation of flood risk management plans under the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment, CFRAM, programme; and to outline when they will be published.

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

The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to rectify Ireland's current breach of EU law and bring forward regulations to allow intellectual property claims below the value of €15,000 to come within the small claims procedure in the District Court and to allow companies to represent themselves in such proceedings.

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 and ownership of and future plans for the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum.

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 the regulation of solar farms.

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

The need for the Minister for Finance to amend the VAT rates charged on sunbed sessions and sunscreens which stand at13.5% and 23%, respectively, given the significantly increased risk associated with a number of skin cancers attributable to sunbed use, and to make a statement on the matter.

I regard the matters raised by Senators Kieran O’Donnell, Kevin Humphreys, Neale Richmond and Tim Lombard as suitable for discussion and they will be taken now. I regret that I have had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Catherine Noone on the grounds that it anticipates statements on the budget.

The Minister of State at the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government, Deputy Damien English is in the House. As I understand Senator Kieran O'Donnell has been delayed, we will proceed with the matters raised by Senators Kevin Humphreys, Neale Richmond and Tim Lombard. I am afraid that we will not be able to deal with Senator Kieran O'Donnell's matter because the Minister of State cannot delay this morning.