Seanad debates

Wednesday, 10 July 2024

Gnó an tSeanaid - Business of Seanad

 

10:30 am

Photo of Jerry ButtimerJerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)
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Before I announce the Commencement matters today, it gives me great pleasure to welcome a former colleague and friend of many of us in the House, Katharine Bulbulia, to Leinster House. She is accompanied by her daughter Jenny, her granddaughter Elisha Corrigan and her two friends Katelyn Kelly and India Fitzgerald O'Connor. I welcome them all to Leinster House. Céad míle fáilte rompu. They can be very proud of their grandmother who served with distinction for the people of Waterford in Leinster House and in local politics in Waterford. As a young person with an acute interest in politics, Katharine Bulbulia, by her name, her contribution to public life and her championing of very intricate difficult issues, is a person we all admire. I remind all of us in the House that former Senator Bulbulia was a founding member of the Waterford branch of the Women's Political Association. That just gives us an example of her testimony and her prowess as a politician. She was very proud to serve the people of Tramore and that electoral area. She is a person who we admire greatly and I wish her a wonderful visit back to Leinster House. I thank her so much for her public service. Céad míle fáilte roimpi arís.

I have received notice from the following Senators that they propose to raise the following matters:

Senator Aisling Dolan - The need for the Minister for Education to provide an update on the new school build for Scoil an Chroí Naofa, Ballinasloe, County Galway.

Senator Erin McGreehan - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on access to cancer drugs and treatment for private and public patients.

Senator Emer Currie - The need for the Minister for Justice to make a statement on youth diversion projects, in particular the comparison between funding and participation levels.

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.

Senator Malcolm Byrne - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the ongoing boil water notice at Ferns, County Wexford.

The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected Senators Aisling Dolan, Erin McGreehan, Emer Currie and Tim Lombard and they will be taken now. Senator Malcolm Byrne may give notice on another day of the matter that he wishes to raise.