Results 1,701-1,720 of 3,871 for speaker:Catherine Byrne

Topical Issue Debate: Traveller Accommodation (30 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I thank Deputy O'Brien for raising this crucial matter and I welcome the opportunity to address the Deputy on it. Arising from the tragic circumstances at Carrickmines in October 2015 and the loss of so many families and loved ones, a number of actions were implemented in the aftermath of the tragedy, along with ongoing engagement over the past 12 months with the bereaved and those affected...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Health Services Funding (30 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Legislative Measures (30 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: The Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Act 2016 was passed by the Oireachtas on the 27th July 2016. The primary purpose of the Act is to protect public health by bringing certain substances which are open to misuse and known to be traded on the illicit market under the scope of the Misuse of Drugs legislation, thereby aiding the law enforcement activities of An Garda Síochána. These...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug Treatment Programmes Availability (29 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: On 12 October 2016, I announced the allocation of an additional €3m in the 2017 Budget to increase support for interventions aimed at improving the health outcomes of vulnerable groups, in particular those affected by addiction, through establishing a supervised injecting facility in Dublin City centre and providing more detox places. The additional funding will be used to address...

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Drugs Strategy (29 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: The overall objective of the National Drugs Strategy is to tackle the harm caused to individuals and society by the misuse of drugs through a concerted focus on the five pillars of supply reduction, prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and research. Prevention and Education programmes constitute a significant part of the Government's response to the drug problem, particularly among...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Products Supply (29 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: In May 2015, the HSE undertook a demonstration project to assess and evaluate the suitability and impact of using a pre-filled Naloxone injection, which is designed for non-medical administration in Ireland. Naloxone is an anti-dote used to reverse the effects of opioid drugs like heroin, morphine and methadone, if someone overdoses. I launched an Evaluation Report on the HSE’s...

Questions on Proposed Legislation (24 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: More than 9,000 people are in receipt of methadone, with more than 3,500 on it for longer than ten years. A pilot project involving Suboxone is under way and will be rolled out across the country. There is room now in the budget to extend the use of Suboxone, but it cannot be given to everyone. Only certain people can take it because it can have long-term effects for those with medical...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Addiction Treatment Services (23 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Drug and Alcohol Task Forces (22 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 427 to 429, inclusive, together. In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Government is committed to continuing support for initiatives to tackle the drug problem. In the 2017 budget, an additional €3m has been provided for a number of measures aimed at improving the health outcomes of those affected by addiction issues. The increased funding...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Traveller Community (22 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 460 to 464, inclusive, together. Addressing traveller health inequalities continues to be an important policy priority for the Department of Health. The health needs of Travellers cannot be remedied or improved in isolation from addressing the societal, cultural, educational and environmental factors that combine to influence health as well as more obvious...

Written Answers — Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government: Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (17 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: My Department has responsibility for the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2015-2017, the aim of which is to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion and equality through local, regional and national engagement and collaboration. The programme aims to improve the life chances and opportunities of those who are marginalised in society, living in poverty or in...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Traveller Community (17 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 to 200, inclusive, together. A review of the role and functionality of the Traveller Health Advisory Committee (THAC) took place in 2013. The review found that the transfer of the health budget to the HSE in 2006 resulted in significant changes to the functioning of the THAC and that the original purpose and focus of the Committee had changed. The...

Written Answers — Department of Health: National Drugs Strategy Budget (17 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Government is committed to continuing support for initiatives to tackle the drug problem. Drug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem in their areas and coordinating action at local level, so that there is a targeted response to the problem of substance misuse in local communities. ...

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: Unfortunately, I cannot answer on behalf of the Minister in respect of Deputy Munster's question on funding. However, I can inform her that the Rebuilding Ireland programme clearly identifies that the local authorities will play a significant role in developing social housing right across the country. The local authorities have been identified and asked to make sites known - where these...

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I am coming to that. I cannot answer the specific question on the landbanks for Deputy Munster because I do not have that information. However, I will-----

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I do not have a specific answer in respect of that matter.

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: There is. I agree with the Deputy that there is probably more clarification needed on the question.

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I am sorry I cannot give the answer to Deputy Munster. What I can tell her is that the Minister, Deputy Coveney, has committed €3.5 billion for housing across the country and all of the local authorities have been contacted in respect of the different lands and sites that can be used for the building of social and affordable housing. I promise Deputy Munster I will go directly...

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I am taking this matter on behalf of the Minister, Deputy Coveney.

Topical Issue Debate: Social and Affordable Housing Provision (16 Nov 2016)

Catherine Byrne: I apologise for the absence of the Minister, Deputy Coveney, who is dealing with legislation in the Seanad. I have been asked to relay his reply to the Deputy. I have taken a note of the points the Deputy has made. The Department does not hold the data requested by the Deputy. It is a matter for each local authority to be satisfied that it has sufficient lands zoned to meet its overall...