Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)
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I have received notice from Senator Michelle Mulherin that, on the motion for the Commencement of the House today, she proposes to raise the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to review the legislation governing the energy regulator.

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

The need for the Minister of State at the Department of Health with special responsibility for disability issues to ensure that HSE service level agreements and fixed annual funding are provided to the iCARE and Bluestack Special Needs Foundation organisations in Donegal so that they can continue to provide a vital service to children and young people with disabilities in the county.

I have also received notice from Senator Ivana Bacik of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Justice and Equality to provide an update on progress made to date on the conduct of the three year review of the operation of section 7A of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 1993, as required under section 27 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017.

I have also received notice from Senator Rónán Mullen of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to provide an update on the ongoing political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela.

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

The need for the Minister for Health to outline when the new model of care for the treatment of patients with lymphoedema will be finalised and whether the necessary resources are being allocated for implementation of same.

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

The need for the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport to consider implementing a BusConnects plan for public transport in Limerick city.

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

The need for the Minister for Health provide an update on the employment starting date of a sarcoma specialist for St. Vincent’s Hospital.

I have also received notice from Senator Jennifer Murnane O'Connor of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the high numbers on waiting lists for public dental assessment or treatment in community healthcare organisation, CHO, area 5.

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

The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the spiralling costs of the national children’s hospital and whether construction should be halted pending completion of the costs review.

I have also received notice from Senator Victor Boyhan of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government to confirm the reserved functions of local authority elected members in relation to their three year capital budget and to outline their powers to accept, amend or reject the draft capital budget at a plenary meeting of a full city or county council.

I have also received notice from Senator Lynn Ruane of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Health to provide an update on the progress of the working group examining alternative approaches for personal possession of illegal drugs.

I have also received notice from Senator Martin Conway of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Education and Skills to outline why a national school (details supplied) in County Clare is unable to avail of broadband which is critical for the school, particularly a visually impaired student who needs to access vital classroom equipment to overcome his disability.

I have also received notice from Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill of the following matter:

The need for the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment to provide an overview of current Government policy on the post office network.

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

The need for the Minster for Justice and Equality to make a statement on the pipe bomb incident in Edenmore on Sunday night, which follows a gun attack in the same area over the Christmas period.

The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion. I have selected the matters raised by Senators Mulherin, Mac Lochlainn, Bacik and Mullen and they will be taken now. I regret that I had to rule out of order the matter raised by Senator Ó Ríordáin on the grounds that the Minister has no official responsibility in the matter. The other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters they wish to raise. I welcome the Minister to the House and invite Senator Mulherin to introduce her Commencement matter.