Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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I have received notification from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:

Senator Mary Seery Kearney and Senator Barry Ward - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on the timeline for the restoration of criminal legal aid fees and the re-establishment of the link with public sector pay.

Senator Paul Gavan - The need for the Minister for Social Protection to make a statement on the industrial dispute between the National Advocacy Service and the Citizens Information Board.

Senator Sharon Keogan - The need for the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to provide an update on the future of the Thornton Hall site, including its use as an accommodation centre for asylum seekers.

Senator Robbie Gallagher - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to review the allocations of the help-to-buy scheme, first home scheme and vacant property refurbishment grant due to ongoing increases in the cost of construction and building materials.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Defence to make a statement on the need to amend the policy in dealing with illegal encampments.

Senator Tim Lombard - The need for the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media to make a statement on the development of a national swimming strategy.

The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Mary Seery Kearney and Barry Ward, who are sharing their time, Senators Paul Gavan, Robbie Gallagher and Sharon Keogan and they will be taken now. All other Senators may give notice on another day of the matters that they wish to raise.

Before I call on Senator Seery Kearney and Senator Ward, it gives me great pleasure to welcome to the House members of the Millstreet active retirement group, who are here as guests of Deputy Aindrias Moynihan. I had the pleasure as a young child of growing up knowing many of the ladies in the Gallery, some of whom are great friends of my family and mine, so I welcome them all most sincerely to Leinster House. Céad míle fáilte. I now call on Senator Barry Ward and Senator Seery Kearney.