Final Tynwald sitting ahead of summer recess to begin

Thirty-five questions plus 25 other agenda items feature

The final Tynwald sitting before the summer recess begins today.

The agenda includes a lengthy question paper, as well as debates on school funding, further responses to the Covid-19 handling report, and a request to publish reviews of the Steam Packet Company’s performance.

It’s not the final political sitting before recess begins as the House of Keys will reconvene later this month for the third reading of the Assisted Dying Bill.

Three starred ‘priority’ queries cover estimates on the output and environmental impact of the Earystane wind farm, the economic benefits of luxury flats in Port Erin, and the ending of the mid-rent pilot scheme.

Additional questions address topics such as appointments to the board of directors at the Steam Packet Company, the cost of using the newly opened Liverpool Ferry Terminal, a review of school meals, and the need for new tiles at the National Sports Centre.

Diseased ash trees in national glens, outsourcing social care, and the operation of the Summerhill View facility are also set to feature – Manx Care had previously withheld many of the details requested during an interview with Manx Radio.

Further questions relate to dredging at the Liverpool Ferry Terminal, the discontinued number 28 bus to Cregneash, tram track costs, pot holes and compensation for those affected by installation of a wind farm.

Following the 35-question paper, politicians will debate the Independent Review of Funding for Schools, which suggested combining smaller schools—a recommendation already ruled out by the education minister.

The Council of Ministers will present further responses to the government’s Covid-19 handling, as reviewed by Kate Brunner KC.

Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher will request Tynwald to prioritise re-establishing bus facilities in Douglas, while Onchan’s Julie Edge will ask about audit effectiveness.

Manx Radio will broadcast the proceedings on AM 1368 and online from 10am.