Results 961-980 of 6,055 for speaker:Frank Feighan

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (1 Mar 2022)

Frank Feighan: STI/HIV testing is currently available for symptomatic infections through the national network of STI clinics. Asymptomatic testing is available through an HSE home testing service, through a pilot originally funded in 3 counties by the Sláintecare Integration Fund. In response to demand, this service has been expanded and is currently offered in 20 counties, with roll-out nationally...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Promotion (1 Mar 2022)

Frank Feighan: The promotion of physical activity is a priority item under the Healthy Ireland Framework, as evidenced by the publication of the National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) in 2016. Substantial progress has been made in the implementation of the 60 actions set out in the NPAP,  led by the Departments of Health and Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, through a...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Strategies (1 Mar 2022)

Frank Feighan: The National Sexual Health Strategy, 2015-2020 was launched in October 2015. It takes a life course approach, acknowledging the importance of developing a healthy attitude to sexuality in young people and of building on that foundation for positive sexual health and wellbeing into adulthood and older age. Current priority deliverables under the Strategy are HIV prevention, including...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Covid-19 Pandemic (1 Mar 2022)

Frank Feighan: The Keltoi facility was identified for use as an isolation facility for marginalised and vulnerable people during COVID-19 in Community Healthcare Organisation 9.   There are significant numbers of homeless and addiction service users in this area,  particularly in Dublin North City and County. The area also has a high migrant health population living in overcrowded...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (1 Mar 2022)

Frank Feighan: The Programme for Government commits to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort; roll-out is scheduled to commence in August 2022.  The scheme will provide for:The cost of prescription contraception;The cost of a minimum of two consultations per annum with GPs and other doctors to discuss suitable contraception for individual patients and to enable...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Strategies (1 Mar 2022)

Frank Feighan: The Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception, published in October 2019, identified the barriers that exist to accessing contraception, which include accessibility, information, workforce capacity and, for a significant number of women who may be just above the eligibility threshold for a full GMS (medical) card, cost. In consideration of the recommendations of the Joint...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Strategies (1 Mar 2022)

Frank Feighan: The Contraception Atlas provides Ireland with a 65% ranking and advises that Ireland will be in a good position to move to the highest-ranking category once the free contraception scheme is in place. The Programme for Government commits to providing free contraception for women, starting with the 17-25 age cohort; roll-out is scheduled to commence in August 2022. The scheme will provide...

Social Welfare (Payment Order) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Second Stage [Private Members] (24 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank Deputies Kerrane, Martin Kenny, Mairéad Farrell and Gould for their contributions on this debate and for their interest in this important topic. We have had a useful debate. We all understand the importance of child maintenance and want to improve the system. The liable relative provisions that are operated by the Department of Social Protection are just one element of that...

Social Welfare (Payment Order) (Amendment) Bill 2021: Second Stage [Private Members] (24 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: I move amendment No. 1: To delete all words after "That" and substitute the following: "Dáil Éireann, while acknowledging the relevance of the Social Welfare (Payment Order) (Amendment) Bill 2021 in the context of the current conditions in the child maintenance system, resolves that the Bill be deemed to be read a second time this day six months to allow for consideration of the...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Energy Policy (24 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank the Deputies for raising this timely issue, given what has been happening today. District heating offers the potential to make use of renewable and waste energy to heat homes and businesses as part of a range of measures to reduce carbon emissions. In Ireland, district heating currently accounts for a small share of the heating sector, estimated to be less than 1%. The Government...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Energy Policy (24 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: Deputy Ó Murchú talked about the CRU needing the power to take action and I will convey those views to the Minister. He went on to state we need a solution for Carlinn Hall and I thank both him and Deputy O’Rourke for raising that issue. Deputy O'Rourke raised the issue of the Tallaght data centre and the provision of town gas. Unfortunately, gas prices will continue to...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Sustainable Development Goals (24 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank the Deputy again for raising this issue. Ireland’s second SDG programme is currently being finalised. It is intended that the draft plan will be made available - I know the Deputy might not like to hear this word - shortly. However, we will try to get a timeline as quickly as possible to form the basis of discussion at the next SDG national stakeholder forum. This will...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Public Transport (24 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank Deputy Richmond, who came up with some interesting views regarding serving the public and anticipating difficulties. He also mentioned the NTA and that we need to deliver short-term solutions to short-term problems. We sometimes need outside-the-box thinking and I appreciate that. I want to advise the Deputy that the introduction of the Transport for Ireland, TFI, 90-minute fare...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Sustainable Development Goals (24 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank the Deputy for raising this matter and welcome the opportunity to discuss Ireland's progress towards its sustainable development goals. A renewed focus is currently being given to progress Ireland's commitments to agenda 2030 for sustainable development. Substantial progress has been achieved in recent months in respect of reviewing Ireland's implementation of agenda 2030. The...

Saincheisteanna Tráthúla - Topical Issue Debate: Public Transport (24 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: I thank Deputy Richmond for giving me the opportunity to discuss this issue on behalf of the Minister. From the outset, I note that the Department of Transport has responsibility for policy and overall funding with regard to public transport. However, it is not involved in the day-to-day operation of public transport services. The National Transport Authority has statutory responsibility...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Aids and Appliances (23 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services (23 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Substance Misuse (22 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: I propose to take Questions Nos. 661 and 760 together. As the Deputy will be aware, tackling drug dealing and organised criminal activity is a key priority for the Government and for An Garda Síochána. Under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, including...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Healthcare Policy (22 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: The Report of the Working Group on Access to Contraception, published in October 2019, identified the barriers that exist to accessing contraception, which include accessibility, information, workforce capacity and, for a significant number of women who may be just above the eligibility threshold for a full GMS (medical) card, cost. In consideration of the recommendations of the Joint...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Obesity Levels (22 Feb 2022)

Frank Feighan: The Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan 2021-2025 was published in May 2021 by Minister Stephen Donnelly and myself, following an extensive stakeholder consultation process. The Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan builds on the success of the Healthy Ireland Framework, which was published in 2013. The Action Plan contains 56 strategic actions across six themes which will be implemented...