Results 2,061-2,080 of 11,255 for speaker:Colm Burke

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Emergency Department Overcrowding: Discussion (25 Jan 2017)

Colm Burke: They raised this with me in early January. I did not mention it to the Minister. My understanding was that engagement was to take place, but that it has not taken place. At a time of overcrowding in the hospitals, there are 742 vacant beds.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Emergency Department Overcrowding: Discussion (25 Jan 2017)

Colm Burke: To come back to the Nursing Homes Ireland issue, may I have a written response? Can a response be sent to the committee because Nursing Homes Ireland stated in its statement issued today that the emergency department task force had never engaged with it? The position needs to be clarified in writing because the issue is important and it is in the public domain. I accept that it is not...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Emergency Department Overcrowding: Discussion (25 Jan 2017)

Colm Burke: I was advised that when it looked for replacement staff, they were not provided so ten out of 68 staff were out at any one time. In fairness, we are all out for very genuine reasons but it is a huge number out of a staff of 68 and I do not think it should be allowed to arise again.

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Hospital Waiting Lists (26 Jan 2017)

Colm Burke: I want to raise the issue of maternity services in Cork, of which there has been widespread coverage. There are now more than 4,000 on the waiting list for gynaecological services in Cork University Hospital and this makes up 42% of the total waiting list of the country. We opened a brand new maternity unit over ten years ago and two theatres were built. At present, one is opened for three...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Hospital Waiting Lists (26 Jan 2017)

Colm Burke: I thank the Minister of State for her reply. My only concern is that a list was allowed to build up like this. My understanding is that back in 2009 there was a waiting list of over 2,900. We are now six or seven years on and we do not seem have a timeline for when action will be taken. When will the theatre be open five days a week? When will we progress to the second theatre? How can...

Seanad: Order of Business (26 Jan 2017)

Colm Burke: It was announced this morning that there would be a new €20 million development in Cork which will provide 150 jobs and when completed, will accommodate 500 people. It is good news in terms of the number of new developments in that region. However, we now need to set out a clear strategy nationally in respect of development and areas we need to prioritise regarding the provision of...

Seanad: Order of Business (31 Jan 2017)

Colm Burke: I join other Senators in wishing Mr. Martin Groves well in his new role following his well-deserved appointment. He has always worked extremely hard for everyone in this House. I wish him well in the future and look forward to working with him. I join others in condemning what has happened in the US over the past seven to ten days. I do not think it is the way forward for a peaceful...

Seanad: Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016: Second Stage (1 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: As the Minister of State outlined, the Bill amends several Acts, including the Irish Medicines Board Act 1995, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009, the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 and the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Act 2015. Like my colleague, I welcome the amendment to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 and its application to...

Seanad: Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016: Second Stage (1 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: It is not relevant to the Bill.

Seanad: Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016: Second Stage (1 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: The Senator should stick to what is on the agenda.

Seanad: Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016: Second Stage (1 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: Next Tuesday.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Primary Care Services: Discussion (2 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: I thank the witnesses for their comprehensive presentations. I agree with what was said in regard to support for GPs. It is fundamental that we develop this area in respect of which the cutback in funding has been substantial over the last few years. One of the concerns for me in regard to health care is the many different groups in the area in need of funding. The Irish Nurses and...

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Primary Care Services: Discussion (2 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: Is anyone setting a timeline or will we be asking the same questions in three years' time?

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Primary Care Services: Discussion (2 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: On the progress in the contract negotiations. There is a ten-year timeframe for the plan on the future of health care and it will be difficult to develop that if we do not sign off on these negotiations. In previous negotiations between the Department and other groups it has taken a considerable number of years and I am concerned that this may happen again with GPs.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Primary Care Services: Discussion (2 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: There is no roadmap at the moment.

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health: Primary Care Services: Discussion (2 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: It is obvious from listening to the deputations this morning that the new contract is somewhat down the road. I am concerned about the disconnect between GPs and hospitals. Deputy Kelleher referred to the Kilkenny model. Is anything being done to try to improve the connection in other locations? Such moves do not seem to be under way. As a result, GPs cannot get advice from the people...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Garda Stations (7 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House to deal with the matter of the Garda station in Glanmire. The building used was an RIC barracks which was burned down during the Civil War and refurbished. It is totally out of date. It has no showers, changing rooms, interview rooms or wheelchair access. In May 2010, an advertisement was placed in the newspapers looking for a suitable...

Seanad: Commencement Matters: Garda Stations (7 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: The problem I have is that this matter was advertised in 2010. It is now 2017 and I am concerned that seven years have been lost. As I outlined, there is a growing population and a totally inapt Garda station. Could any commitment be given to prioritise the works in view the seven-year delay? I am glad to hear the position on the legal proceedings. I am surprised a process such as this...

Seanad: Order of Business (7 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: In view of the "Prime Time" programme broadcast last night, it is important to recognise that a great number of staff in the HSE - the vast majority - are working extremely hard and committed and dedicated to their jobs. My colleague referred to the average spend per head of population on health. We have the second highest spend in the OECD, but the question is whether we are spending the...

Seanad: Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016: Committee and Remaining Stages (7 Feb 2017)

Colm Burke: I welcome the Minister of State and thank her for bringing forward this legislation. It covers a number of areas which are important, particularly in relation to ex gratiacompensation payments under a number of schemes, such as to people who went through symphysiotomies. Over 600 people who will benefit from ex gratiapayments will not have these included in calculations under the fair deal...