Mark Daly (Fianna Fail)
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Before I take Commencement matters, I welcome the ambassador of Denmark who is in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery, along with the Leas-Chathaoirleach. The Kingdom of Denmark marks Constitution Day each year, which marks the signing of its first ever constitution in Denmark in 1849 and the current constitution, which was adopted in 1953 on the same date, 5 June. It is fair to say the relationship between Denmark and Ireland did not get off to the best start, many centuries ago, but thankfully, our exchanges now are defined by culture, trade and friendship.

Denmark was very much involved in the founding of some of our cities, including Dublin, Waterford and Limerick, and in helping to establish those early forms of urban life in Ireland. Denmark and Ireland are also linked by a love of mythology and storytelling, with the translation of many Irish stories to Danish literature so the connection is very much alive. We also have the great love of music and folklore. A milestone we also share, as well as all those historical ones, is that Denmark, Ireland and the UK joined the European Union on 1 January 1973. We celebrate that ongoing relationship between us and the Danish people by collaborating and working on the shared values we have.

There are 3,000 Danish people living in Ireland and many Irish people, some of whom I know, live in Denmark and enjoy Copenhagen. There is a GAA club in Copenhagen as there are clubs all over the world and St. Patrick's Day is rightly celebrated in Denmark. Therefore, we are celebrating the past connections between Denmark and Ireland, but also the present relationship and we look forward to growing that relationship. The ambassador told me earlier that the Danish flag, which is in our anteroom, the room adjoining the Seanad Chamber, to mark Denmark's national day, is the oldest flag in the world and descended from the heavens in the middle of a battle, which no doubt, Denmark won, unlike the one in Clontarf. I just wanted to remind the ambassador of that one. I wish him a happy Constitution Day and thank him for being here on his national day.

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

Senator Mike Kennelly - The need for the Minister for Health to make a statement on the progress of the proposed HSE primary healthcare centre for Cahersiveen, County Kerry.

Senator Nessa Cosgrove - The need for the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to make a statement on the funding of multiple sclerosis services in the north west, including a dedicated community worker for Sligo-Leitrim.

Senator Martin Conway - The need for the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to make a statement on the opening of an IDA Ireland office in Taiwan.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin - The need for the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to make a statement on the provision of adequate funding to address ongoing water supply and infrastructure issues relating to the Allenwood reservoir and Hillsborough, Newbridge, County Kildare.

The matters raised by the Senators are suitable for discussion and I have selected all of them and they will be taken now.

I welcome the Minister of State, Deputy Brophy, to the House.