Hildegarde Naughton, TD

Government Chief Whip and Kerry Senator Paul Coghlan has today (Wednesday) welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaelteacht, Jimmy Deenihan TD, that a new Rhododendron control intiative will be put in place to bring the invasive species under control in Killarney National Park. Senator Coghlan was speaking on the order of business in the Seanad.

I am pleased to update the House on what was a very significant meeting of the European Council last week. The main outcomes of the Summit were the nomination of Jean Claude Juncker as President of the European Commission, agreement on a strategic agenda for the EU for the coming period and the adoption of strong conclusions on Ukraine.

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which air pollution continues to be monitored on an on-going basis throughout the country...

To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which the budget in respect of mental health services in the current year is deemed adequate to meet requirements...

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which this country is marketed abroad as a venue for business tourism...

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department continues to examine the economic impact of climate change legislation or other proposals which might negatively impact on this economy...

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which discussions have taken place with CIE unions in the context of future transport policy...

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which employment in the tourism sector continues to improve...

To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the extent to which growth is expected in the tourism sector over the next three years...

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government the extent to which his Department has had discussions with the authorities in Kildare County Council with a view to finalisation of any outstanding planning or other matters affecting the development at the Waterways, Sallins, County Kildare...